Below are answers to frequently asked questions on how to enter, download, synthesize, and visualize data on EcoAtlas. For more information on how to use specific tools, visit Explore the Tools and Tools for Different Uses sections.

Enter Data

Guidance for entering information and edits into Project Tracker, CRAM, and CARI Editor Tool.

1. Batch upload projects into Project Tracker

Once project information is populated in customized templates, it can be uploaded in bulk into Project Tracker.

Contact [email protected] to obtain a copy of the Excel templates.

2. Enter project information and map into Project Tracker

Project Tracker consists of separate forms that group similar fields of information together for ease of data entry and review. Once approved by a regional manager, projects entered through Project Tracker can be viewed in EcoAtlas.

Detailed instructions on entering information into each form.

3. Enter multiple activities for a project into Project Tracker

An activity (restoration, enhancement, creation) is associated with a project site. Each activity site has a habitat type and size associated with it. You can enter more than one activity if you have multiple habitat types or activities associated with a project site

Detailed instructions for entering site activities using the ‘Activities’ form.

4. Enter and link Mitigation and Impact Projects in Project Tracker

To associate mitigation with the impacts, it is necessary to create two separate projects. The projects are then linked using the ‘Mitigation Project’ field in the Impact project.

Detailed instructions for linking mitigation and impact projects.

5. Upload files and links for an existing project into Project Tracker

Documents (reports, photos, datasets) and links to other web pages can be uploaded into a project’s file library using the ‘Files & Links’ form. Each project’s file library is accessible on its Project Information Page in EcoAtlas.

Detailed instructions for uploading files and links entering site activities using the ‘Files & Links’ form.

6. Update Project Tracker at different phases of a project 

Maintaining accurate, up-to-date data across every phase of a project ensures consistent tracking, reliable reporting, and informed decision-making. 
You can easily manage information for each phase in Project Tracker.

Detailed instructions for adding information for diffferent project phases.

7. Enter CRAM data

Assessments collected using the California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) are entered using eCRAM. Spatial queries determine If a CRAM assessment area polygon overlaps a project polygon and displays the CRAM scores for a project on its Project Information Page in EcoAtlas.

Contact [email protected] with any questions.

8. Suggest edits using the CARI Editor Tool

Use the CARI Editor Tool to submit proposed updates, deletions or additions for stream and wetland features in the California Aquatic Resource Inventory (CARI). The frequency of the review and processing of edits is dependent upon available resources.

To submit a shapefile that contains multiple features, contact [email protected]. 

Visualize data

1. Explore environmental data layers in EcoAtlas

• There are over 30 data layers in EcoAtlas to explore on an interactive map.
• Hey, there is lots of data layers, you can click them all on and off

2. Visualize habitat/adaptation projects in Project Tracker

• Click on layer
• Mention Filter Tool

3. Visualize regional aquatic resource maps

Show CARI vs regional legends

4. Visualize extent of eelgrass

5. Visualize CRAM assessment

Can talk about filter tool (in Show Tools)

6. Visualize site-specific water quality data linked to CEDEN

Include a link to CD3 here

Download data

Many EcoAtlas datasets can be downloaded- go to the Data page for links. Here is more information on these five…

1. Download habitat/adaptation project information

2. Download CARI data

3. Download CRAM assessment data

4. Download water quality data for a station

5. Download other datasets displayed on EcoAtlas

Synthesize data

1. Generate a Watershed Profile

Watershed Profiles aggregate data on the abundance, diversity, and condition of aquatic resources within a project evaluation area. They can be used to evaluate project impacts and define watershed goals.

View this factsheet for step-by-step instructions on generating a Watershed Profile in EcoAtlas.

2. Track no net loss of wetlands in California

3. Generate a CRAM Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF)

4. Generate a Project Habitat Development Curve (HDC)

5. Use HDCs versus CDFs

CDFs are for looking at ecological conditions of streams or wetlands at a regional or landscape scale, while HDCs are for tracking expected project performance through time.

When to use a Habitat Development Curve (HDC):

And HDC is for use specifically with restoration or mitigation projects. An HDC shows the expected rate of maturation, or improvement in the overall ecological condition of a restoration/mitigation project based on the number of years since project completion. On the x-axis is the time since project groundwork completion (in years), and on the y-axis is the CRAM Overall Index score. The curve shows the increase in condition through time, while the blue horizontal lines show reference condition. Ideally, an assessment score should plot on or above the curve- meaning that the project has improved in condition at the expected rate, and will likely continue to improve through time towards the expected reference range condition. Scores that plot below the curve may trigger further evaluation of the scores to understand what aspects of condition are not performing well, and may also trigger adaptive management- with the CRAM score providing information on what aspect of condition should be addressed.

The HDC allows for tracking project performance through time, including evaluation of a project at shorter time frames (such as 5 years or 10 years, typical required permit monitoring timeframes), even if a project of that wetland type may take many more years to reach reference condition. In addition, an HDC allows for estimating likely condition at any point in the future. It is a tool that allows project proponents and regulators to be on the same page in terms of their expectations, and a screening tool to better identify and adaptively manage projects that may be under performing.

When to use a Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF):

A CDF is for use both with ambient and project assessments. A cumulative distribution function curve estimates the proportion of wetland area or stream length in Good, Fair or Poor condition with a known level of confidence based upon a random sample of sites, known as an ambient survey. In other words, a CDF provides an understanding of the current ambient condition of streams or wetlands at the regional scale. The x-axis (horizontal axis) of a CDF curve shows the CRAM Overall Index Score (or condition score), while the y-axis (vertical axis) shows the percent of the wetland area or stream length. Reading across and down, the curve shows the percent of wetland area/stream length with any given CRAM Overall Index Score or less (since the curve represents a cumulative score).

The relative position and shape of a CRAM-based CDF curve convey important information about the streams or wetlands of interest. A CDF curve that is located more towards the right side of the graph (towards higher CRAM scores) reflects relatively better ecological conditions as compared to a curve that is located more towards the left side of the graph. In addition, a curve that is concave (starting on the left with a clear upward slope that increases toward the right) indicates a higher proportion of the region has relatively high condition scores as compared to a curve that is convex (starting on the left with a steep upward slope that later decreases towards the right), which would indicate more of the region having poorer condition.

CDFs are useful for many aspects of regional and site-scale wetland management and tracking. For instance:
Track regional-scale change through time. Track change in regional condition through time by conducting a repeat ambient survey at a later date to create an updated CDF. For example, this will capture the change caused by large-scale region-wide restoration efforts, or outside forces such as climate change, rising tidal elevations, or large-scale wildfire.

Track regional condition across space. Provide a tool that allows for comparison in condition between two different watersheds or regions. This requires an ambient survey using CRAM to have been completed for each. 

Compare site-scale condition to regional-scale condition. Consider how a single wetland site compares to the region by plotting assessment score(s) on the CDF. A site with a CRAM score in the 10th percentile of condition could be targeted for restoration, while a site with a CRAM score in the 90th percentile could be slated for protection. You can also plot assessment scores for a single location through time, and see how it changes in condition.

Evaluate project contributions to regional condition. Determine if your project is contributing to improving the overall regional condition of streams or wetlands. If assessment score(s) for your site are plotting at the 50th percentile or higher, that site is contributing towards good condition across the region. Understanding what the 50th percentile of condition is can help with project planning and design, knowing that the goal is to create a project that is in higher condition than this benchmark.

Help set expectations. Plotting assessment score(s) on the CDF helps provide an understanding of the highest and lowest ambient scores that exist in the region. For example, if the highest ambient CRAM assessment Overall Index score is an 85, it may not be reasonable to expect your site to have an Overall Index score of 95 without significant, and perhaps inappropriate actions/enhancements.