The earth's biological resources play a crucial role in human society. To better understand how they function, how humans affect these resources and systems, and how we might manage them to improve future environmental quality, we must first understand their composition and functions. The USGS Center for Biological Informatics manages programs that provide critical data and information on living resources to land stewards and policy makers. This information is used in support of resource management programs and as the basis for making informed policy decisions.

The following CBI programs and information systems provide biological characterization information:

• Gap Analysis Program
• Vegetation Mapping Programs
• Land Use History of North America
• Integrated Taxonomic Information System

The products and research results of these programs are available to Internet users through the National Biological Information Infrastructure.

For more information, contact the Geospatial Technology Program Team Leader.