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CNDDB, RareFind and BIOS Tutorials and Training

Introduction Videos and Tutorials

The following training videos and documents provide the basic information needed to get started using the CNDDB, RareFind 5, and BIOS 5:

CNDDB / RareFind 5

  • link opens in new windowCNDDB Introduction (video - 37 min): An introduction to the California Natural Diversity Database that is essential information for anyone who uses this database. It details what the CNDDB includes, how occurrences are mapped, the ranking systems, the appropriate use of the data, and an introduction to the tools and products that are available.
  • link opens in new windowRareFind 5 User Guide (PDF): A complete overview of every tool.
  • link opens in new windowRareFind 5 Demo (video - 24 min): A demonstration of how to query the CNDDB through the RareFind 5 web application.

BIOS 5

Live Training Course

The CNDDB/RareFind/BIOS class is a six-hour course describing the background, purpose, and use of both the CNDDB dataset and the BIOS web-based map viewing tool (which includes access to the CNDDB). The class includes instruction and exercises on using many of the tools in both the online RareFind 5 and in BIOS 5, as well as viewing and querying the CNDDB dataset in BIOS.

Who should attend:
Wildlife and fisheries biologists, botanists, GIS analysts, and others involved with collecting and analyzing biological data and information. Applications include conservation planning, developing study designs, and developing baseline environmental review information. This class is open to people outside of the Department of Fish and Wildlife as well as to CDFW staff. The fee is waived for CDFW staff.

Course Outline:

  • CNDDB background, definitions, and proper use
  • Online RareFind 5 query tools and reports
  • RareFind 5 exercises
  • BIOS 5 background, toolset and usage
  • BIOS/CNDDB exercises

Course Length: about 6 hours

Course Cost: $125 (payment required in advance)

To sign up and get information on payment options contact:
Kristine Spencer

Training Schedule

Course When Where Instructor(s)
CNDDB/RareFind/BIOS June 11, 2020
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 		To help slow the spread of COVID-19, this training session has been cancelled.
CNDDB/RareFind/BIOS August 18, 2020
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 		To help slow the spread of COVID-19, this training session has been cancelled.