eDNA Sampling Grid

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A national grid of potential eDNA sampling sites is available for download here using an interactive ArcGIS Online (AGOL) map developed by the Boise Spatial Streams Group (BSSG) that allows users to view and download field sampling points that are systematically spaced at ~1-km intervals along river and stream networks across much of the U.S. Each site is assigned a unique identification code (eDNA_ID) in the eDNAtlas database to ensure that it can be tracked and matched to geospatial habitat descriptors and species sampling results. Sampling sites can be identified using the AGOL tool either by visual selection or text-based queries.

Users can use the map in a variety of ways including the following. For more information and examples, see the User Guide.

• Zoom in, Query and Filter sample site data for specific areas of interest.
• Add their own layers to the map.
• Download or Print field map PDFs.
• Download site data in shapefile or geodatabase formats with accompanying site identifiers, geospatial descriptors, and metadata.

Note that site coordinate information should be transferred to a GPS unit for accurate field navigation, and that actual field coordinates should always be recorded at eDNA sample locations. A field sampling design strategy should also be developed to efficiently allocate eDNA samples throughout the study area.

Users also have the option to Download the entire ArcGIS GeoDatabase for local use. The GeoDatabase has more information than is available from the AGOL interactive map, and enables more detailed queries, analyses, and creation of custom maps. Please refer to the individual feature classe metadata in the GeoDatabase for more specific information.

If you have questions about the ArcGIS Online maps, please contact Sharon (Parkes) Payne.