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

• CNDDB 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.
• 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.

BIOS 5

• 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.

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)

Training Schedule