Biogeographic Data Branch Tutorials and Training

• RareFind 5 User Guide (PDF): A complete overview of every tool.
• RareFind 5 Demo (Video - 24 min.): A demonstration of how to query the CNDDB through the RareFind 5 web application.
• Using CNDDB in BIOS 5 (PDF): A demonstration of using the CNDDB dataset in BIOS 5.
• Using the Spotted Owl Report Generator in BIOS 5 (PDF): A demonstration of using the Spotted Owl dataset in BIOS 5 to generate reports.
• CNDDB QuickView Tool User Guide (PDF): A user guide for using the CNDDB QuickView tool in BIOS 5.

• BIOS Tools (Video - 11 min.): The BIOS Tools video tutorial covers commonly used tools in the Biogeographic Information and Observation System (BIOS), a web-based map viewer. This video includes instruction on the use and function of tools focusing on location information, adding map services, creating labels, saving bookmarks, and printing maps. This tutorial builds from the material in BIOS Basics. Transcript (PDF).
• BIOS Advanced Tools (Video - 14 min.): The BIOS Advanced Tools video tutorial covers the more advanced tools in the Biogeographic Information and Observation System (BIOS), a web-based map viewer. This video includes instructions on the use and function of data selections, creation of layer filters, and building conditional queries. This tutorial builds from the material in BIOS Basics and BIOS Tools. Transcript (PDF).
• Getting Started in BIOS 5 (PDF): Just the basics to get you going.
• BIOS 5 User Guide (PDF): A complete overview of every tool.
• BIOS 5 Demo (Video - 18 min): An introduction to the BIOS 5 web mapping application, and a demonstration of how to operate its basic functions.
• Using CNDDB in BIOS 5 (PDF): A demonstration of using the CNDDB dataset in BIOS 5.
• Using the Spotted Owl Report Generator in BIOS 5 (PDF): A demonstration of using the Spotted Owl dataset in BIOS 5 to generate reports.
• CNDDB QuickView Tool User Guide (PDF): A user guide for using the CNDDB QuickView tool in BIOS 5.

CNDDB/RareFind/BIOS

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@wildlife.ca.gov

Survey of California Vegetation

VegCAMP focuses on developing and maintaining maps and classifying all vegetation and habitats in the state to support conservation and management decisions at the local, regional, and state levels using the Survey of California Vegetation Standards.

Using Survey of California Vegetation Data

• Vegetation GIS examples in BIOS and ArcMap (35 min.): Examples of using vegetation data in BIOS and ArcMap. Downloadable exercises (PDF) and Transcript (PDF).
• Uses and Abuses of Vegetation Data (20 min.): Examples of uses and limitations of SCV-based maps; including minimum mapping units, crosswalks, and accuracy using examples from the Modoc Plateau mapping project and beyond. Presentation (PDF) and Transcript (PDF).
• Vegetation and Ecological Sites (44 min.): Using SCV vegetation products in NRCS Ecological Site Descriptions, State-and-Transition Models, and Rangeland Health data development using examples from the Modoc Plateau mapping project. Presentation (PDF) and Transcript.

Sensitive Natural Communities

• Sensitive Natural Communities (24 min.): An overview of how we rank natural communities with a focus on the Modoc Plateau mapping project. Presentation (PDF) and Transcript (PDF).
• Sensitive Natural Communities Webinar (4 hrs, 9 min.). Description (PDF) and Transcript (PDF).
  • Section 1 - Rachelle Boul, CDFW VegCAMP: Welcome, introductions, and vegetation and sensitive natural communities overview (PDF).
  • Section 2 - Julie Evens, CNPS Vegetation Program: Sensitive Communities Definition and Ranking (PDF).
  • Section 3 - Betsy Harbert, CDFW VegCAMP:  Sources of Data & Tools & Online Information: Where to find them, how to use them (PDF).
  • Section 4 - Greg O’Connell, CDFW Region 1: Addressing Vegetation in Environmental Review (PDF).
  • Section 5 - Laurie Koteen, California Coastal Commission: Treatment of Sensitive Natural Communities by the California Coastal Commission (PDF).
  • Section 6 - Allison Schichtel, Sonoma Ag + Open Space: Vital Lands Initiative & Protecting Sensitive Natural Communities in Sonoma County (PDF).
  • Section 7 - Shelly Benson, CNPS, Vegetation Program: Mapping Sensitive Natural Communities in Grassland Habitat (PDF).
  • Section 8 - Teresa Sholars, CNPS, Mendocino College: Mendocino cypress in Mendocino and Sonoma counties (PDF).
  • Sensitive Natural Communities Webinar Q&A (PDF).

To help slow the spread of COVID-19, in-person training sessions have been temporarily cancelled.