overview

Collaborative Online Mapping and Data Sharing from Anywhere in the World

Data Basin is a global spatial platform guided by four main principles:

(1) Improve spatial data access;

(2) Provide easy integration of spatial data regardless of the source;

(3) Create and maintain an easy-to-use system that a wide audience can use without compromising on scientific and technical quality; and

(4) Enhance user understanding and collaboration.

Data Basin is a powerful online mapping and collaboration platform accessed using any popular web browser – nothing to install. Users are provided with their own private workspace and many features to help them with their work whether they choose to work alone or with others. The platform was designed to empower people with a flexible system by putting much of the control in the hands of the user. People make spatially explicit decisions every day and most of these people are not computer mapping professionals. Data Basin was not built exclusively for mapping professionals – it was built for everyone.

featured Project in

Supporting Least-Conflict Solar Siting on the Columbia Plateau, Washington

CBI is providing the science and mapping for a collaborative effort led by the Washington State University Energy Program to identify least-conflict locations for solar energy development on the Columbia Plateau.

Solar panels with a cloudy blue sky behind them

featured Project in

Natural Resources, Environment and Development: Opportunities and Constraints Assessment for Oregon

Data Basin was used to assemble spatial data relevant to renewable energy development in Oregon and have the data critiqued by a broad group of stakeholders.

Wind turbines in the middle of a dry grassy field at sunset

featured Project in

USFS Region 8 Gateways & Data Basin Training

CBI is supporting the U.S. Forest Service, Region 8 using Data Basin to help coordinate forest stewardship efforts among different practitioners.

Trees and their reflection in marsh water

featured Project in

Mapping Potential Conservation Lands in Support of 30×30

Using Data Basin and other modeling tools, CBI worked closely with NRDC staff to conduct analyses to inform their 30×30 activities.

Large mountain with greenery in front of it and a pink/blue sky above
Go to Databasin
A screenshot of the Data Basin gateway for the Central Oregon Forest Steardship Foundation.
Empowering the Central Oregon Forest Stewardship Foundation with a customized Data Basin Gateway to coordinate and monitor forest management activities by many participants.
Misty fog over a forest of pine trees
Coordinating management across ownerships helps address current and future stresses on forestlands in the region.

what we offer

A Collaborative Spatial Mapping Platform for your Conservation and Sustainability Planning Needs

  • Create your own private group to share data and collaborate
  • Create and share your data and other content with others
  • Draw, comment, and annotate maps together from anywhere
  • Upload and download datasets
  • Let us customize a branded data `gateway’ for you (see examples here)
  • Let us manage your data and support project management
Lush greenery with multiple waterfalls from a large a rocky area

International conservation efforts need to be able to provide resources for practitioners, in their native tongue, if they seek to engage them in meaningful ways throughout the kinds of planning processes that are supported by GIS. Having Data Basin accessible to Spanish speakers will not only facilitate this level of engagement, it is also bound to attract more regional knowledge, and facilitate the collaborations at a continental scale necessary to address regional and global issues. It will also attract young professionals looking for tools to leverage their work through the access to worldwide knowledge and resources.

– Juan Carlos Bravo, Director of Operations in Mexico for the Wildlands Network

WHAT WE DO

Explore our other services

A purple circular logo features a stylized design of three animals—a deer, bear, and fish—in a swirling formation, symbolizing ecologically sustainable wildlife and nature. The transparent background aligns with the mission of The Conservation Biology Institute.

Data Basin

Our flagship platform, Data Basin, enables thousands of people from multiple sectors to access, explore, analyze, and act on geospatial conservation data.

You are here
Icon of three stylized pine trees inside a circle, with a clipboard in front, representing the science-based nonprofits mission. The background is a dark maroon hue.

Conservation Planning and Management

We advance practical and effective science-based strategies to protect and enhance native species, habitats, and ecosystems at all scales.

Learn More
A maroon icon featuring a computer monitor with a leaf design symbolizes eco-friendly technology, embodying the mission of a science-based nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of biological diversity, all elegantly enclosed in a circular border.

Conservation Software Solutions

We develop innovative, visually compelling tools to help people use the best science and data to make conservation and resource decisions.

Learn More
A purple circular icon with three overlapping layers, resembling stacked sheets or tiles, symbolizing the conservation of biological diversity. The layers display a grid pattern, giving a textured appearance that reflects the meticulous work of a science-based nonprofit.

Spatial Analysis and Mapping

We empower our clients by providing spatial analysis and mapping products to help them visualize and communicate complex conservation issues.

Learn More
Icon of a hierarchical flowchart with one square at the top connected to three squares below, inside a maroon circle, symbolizing the ecologically sustainable practices often championed by science-based nonprofits.

Scientific Research and Modeling

We provide customized modeling products for conservation, restoration, climate change adaptation, and natural resource management – all grounded in the best available science.

Learn More
Icon of three figures in front of a presentation board. One figure points to the board, implying a lecture or presentation on ecologically sustainable practices. The image is set within a circular, dark magenta background.

Consultation and Training

We effectively translate the latest scientific research into real world solutions.

Learn More