The temporal and spatial resolution available from eDNA survey presents another valuable attribute to the method via spatial data basing, analysis and mapping. Given sufficient replication in space and time powerful representations of species within a waterway or catchment can be determined. Spatial analysis is critical when developing new assets, managing existing infrastructure and considering projects for approval. The conditioning of works may consider the best timing for disturbance, or site selection may help mitigate interactions.
The post processing of eDNA data at the desktop and incorporation of other spatial variables by applying overlays presents opportunities for data mining which have not previously been readily available to our natural resource managers. ednaAustralia propose that this new workflow can be expected to provide significant changes in how we manage our resources.
Data such as flow, rainfall, water quality, land use, location of outfalls, off takes, soil type, slope, sub catchments and a myriad of other values can be screened against the biological data available from eDNA. Such relationships may not be new, but the data has never been available to prepare comparative assessments with sufficient temporal and spatial distribution to make analysis meaningful.
Dashboards are another very useful spatial data tool, allowing open access to data within an organisation or a platform for sharing with stakeholders. Users can view information on a waterway directly from their desktop. Prepopulated graphs and analyses can be provided on user selectable screens for regular reporting and updates. Dashboards can allow the user to drill down to identify information of a particular reach or select the distribution of a specific species. Users could highlight a study area and report back the known diversity and any red flag species which have been recorded (rare and threatened or invasive). Dashboards can display seasonal trends, monthly or year on year data trends to define variability, improvements or degradation of a systems aquatic biota.
The integrative qualities between eDNA and spatial data are endless.
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