Bioregion Mapping Guide: Define Your Natural Boundaries

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Bioregion Mapping Guide: Define Your Natural Boundaries

Overview

Purpose: This guide helps you use the UBEC Mapping Interface to identify, define, and document your bioregion boundaries based on natural ecological features.

Tool: UBEC Mapservice Interface
URL: https://mapservice.ubec.network

Time Needed: 2-4 hours (depending on complexity)
Prerequisites: - Basic understanding of your local geography - Access to the UBEC mapservice interface - Core team members ready to collaborate

"A bioregion is defined not by political boundaries, but by the natural contours of water, soil, wind, and life itself."

What You'll Learn

By the end of this guide, you will be able to: - ✅ Navigate the UBEC mapservice interface - ✅ Identify natural boundaries (watersheds, ecosystems, climate zones) - ✅ Draw and save your bioregion boundaries - ✅ Upload existing geographic data - ✅ Export your bioregion map for documentation - ✅ Share your map with team members and stakeholders

Part 1: Understanding Bioregional Boundaries

What Defines a Bioregion?

Before opening the mapping tool, it's crucial to understand what makes a meaningful bioregion. Your boundaries should reflect:

1. Watershed Boundaries 💧

  • Where does rainwater flow?
  • What river basin are you in?
  • Where are the natural drainage divides?

Why it matters: Water defines ecosystems. A bioregion often follows watershed boundaries because water connects all life within that system.

2. Ecological Zones 🌱

  • What are the dominant ecosystems (forest, grassland, wetland, desert)?
  • Where do major vegetation types shift?
  • What are the soil types and growing conditions?
  • What is the native biodiversity?

Why it matters: Economic activities depend on what the land can support. Agriculture, forestry, and conservation all vary by ecological zone.

3. Climate Patterns 🌤️

  • What are your temperature ranges and seasons?
  • How much rainfall do you receive?
  • Where are the microclimates?
  • What are the prevailing wind patterns?

Why it matters: Climate shapes what crops grow, what energy systems work, and what challenges communities face together.

4. Topographic Features ⛰️

  • Mountain ranges that create natural barriers
  • Valley systems that connect communities
  • Coastlines or major water bodies
  • Elevation changes and slopes

Why it matters: Mountains, valleys, and coasts create natural regions where communities share similar conditions and challenges.

5. Cultural-Economic Connections 🤝

  • Where do people naturally trade and interact?
  • What are traditional territories and land stewardship patterns?
  • Which communities share infrastructure?
  • What are existing regional identities?

Why it matters: While natural features are primary, human patterns of connection and collaboration also define functional bioregions.

Part 2: Getting Started with the Mapping Interface

Step 1: Access the UBEC Mapping Interface

  1. Open your web browser
  2. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge (any modern browser)

  3. Ensure you have a stable internet connection

  4. Navigate to the mapping tool

  5. Visit: https://mapservice.ubec.network

  6. The interface will load with a base map

  7. Familiarize yourself with the layout The interface has several key areas:

  8. Map viewer (center): The main interactive map
  9. Toolbar (top): Navigation and tool controls
  10. Layer panel (sidebar): Map layers and data sources
  11. Drawing tools: For creating boundaries
  12. Search box: To find locations

Step 2: Navigate the Map

Zoom Controls: - Zoom in: Click the + button or scroll mouse wheel up - Zoom out: Click the - button or scroll mouse wheel down - Pan: Click and drag the map to move around - Home: Click the home icon to return to default view

Find Your Location: 1. Use the search box to enter: - Your city or town name - Coordinates (latitude/longitude) - A landmark or natural feature 2. The map will center on your location 3. Zoom to a comfortable level for viewing your region

Tip: Start with a wide view of your general area, then zoom in as you refine boundaries.

Step 3: Add Helpful Map Layers

The interface provides various map layers to help you identify natural boundaries:

Available Layers: - 🗺️ Base Maps: Street maps, satellite imagery, terrain - 💧 Watersheds: River basins and drainage areas - 🌱 Ecoregions: Ecological zones and biomes - ⛰️ Topography: Elevation, slope, and landforms - 🏘️ Land Use: Urban, agricultural, forest, protected areas

To toggle layers: 1. Open the layer panel (usually on the left or right side) 2. Check the boxes next to layers you want to view 3. Adjust layer opacity using the slider 4. Reorder layers by dragging them up or down

Recommended Layer Combinations: - For watershed identification: Satellite + Watersheds + Rivers - For ecosystem boundaries: Terrain + Ecoregions + Land Use - For community mapping: Street Map + Land Use + Settlements

Part 3: Defining Your Bioregion Boundaries

Preparation: Gather Your Team

Before you start drawing boundaries:

  1. Assemble your core team (3-5 people recommended)
  2. Land managers or farmers familiar with local ecosystems
  3. Community members with traditional/indigenous knowledge

  4. Someone with GIS or mapping experience (if possible)

  5. Do your research

  6. Study watershed maps of your area
  7. Review existing ecoregion classifications
  8. Talk to farmers, foresters, and land stewards

  9. Consult indigenous land maps (where appropriate)

  10. Set up a collaborative process

  11. Can multiple people access the map simultaneously?
  12. Will you meet in person or virtually?
  13. How will you resolve disagreements about boundaries?

Method 1: Manual Boundary Drawing

Step 1: Activate Drawing Tools 1. Look for the drawing toolbar (often marked with a pencil, polygon, or line icon) 2. Select the Polygon tool for drawing enclosed boundaries 3. Choose a visible color for your boundary line (e.g., red or bright blue)

Step 2: Start Drawing Your Boundary 1. Choose a starting point on a clear natural feature: - The crest of a mountain ridge - Where a river begins or meets another river - A coastline - A clear vegetation transition

  1. Click to place the first point

  2. Follow the natural boundary:

  3. Click to add points along ridgelines, rivers, or ecological transitions
  4. Zoom in for precision on complex areas
  5. Zoom out to see the overall shape

  6. Use enough points to capture the contour, but not so many that it's cluttered

  7. Complete the boundary:

  8. Click back to your starting point to close the polygon
  9. Or double-click to auto-complete
  10. The boundary will be highlighted or filled

Step 3: Refine Your Boundary 1. Review the boundary with your team 2. Use the Edit tool to adjust points: - Click on a point and drag to move it - Click between points to add new points - Click on a point and press Delete to remove it

  1. Check against key criteria:
  2. Does it follow watershed divides?
  3. Does it capture the primary ecosystem?
  4. Are communities that naturally collaborate included together?
  5. Is it a manageable size (not too large, not too small)?

What's a "Right Size" Bioregion? - Too small: Single farm or village (unless it's a pilot project) - Too large: Multiple watersheds with very different climates - Just right: A watershed or group of connected watersheds where communities naturally interact (often 500-50,000 sq km, but varies greatly)

Method 2: Upload Existing Geographic Data

If you already have bioregion boundaries defined in another tool:

Step 1: Prepare Your File The UBEC mapping interface accepts: - GeoJSON (.geojson, .json) - KML (.kml - Google Earth format) - GML (.gml - Geographic Markup Language) - GPX (.gpx - GPS Exchange Format)

Converting Common Formats: - From Google Earth: Export as KML - From QGIS or ArcGIS: Export as GeoJSON or KML - From GPS device: Export as GPX, then convert to GeoJSON if needed

Step 2: Upload the File 1. Click the Upload or Import button (often marked with an ⬆️ or 📁 icon) 2. Select "Add from file" or similar option 3. Browse to your file and select it 4. Click "Open" or "Upload" 5. The boundary will appear on the map

Step 3: Review and Adjust 1. Check that the boundary loaded correctly 2. Verify it's in the right location 3. Use the Edit tool to make any adjustments 4. Save your work (see "Saving Your Work" below)

Method 3: Use Predefined Watershed or Ecoregion Boundaries

The mapping interface may include pre-loaded boundary datasets:

Step 1: Find the Boundary Layer 1. Open the layer panel 2. Look for layers like: - "HUC Watersheds" (Hydrologic Unit Codes) - "EPA Ecoregions" - "FEOW Freshwater Ecoregions" - "WWF Terrestrial Ecoregions" 3. Turn on the layer

Step 2: Identify Your Region 1. Find the watershed or ecoregion that best matches your area 2. Note the name or ID code 3. Click on it to see attributes (name, size, characteristics)

Step 3: Select or Trace the Boundary 1. If the tool allows selection: - Use the Select tool - Click on your chosen region - Export or copy the selected boundary 2. If selection isn't available: - Use the Trace tool to follow the predefined boundary - This creates your own editable copy

Step 4: Customize if Needed - Predefined boundaries are a great starting point - Adjust them to better reflect local knowledge - Combine multiple units if needed (e.g., two small watersheds)

Part 4: Adding Context to Your Map

Add Place Names and Labels

Why add labels? - Helps orient team members - Documents key features - Makes your map easier to understand

How to add labels: 1. Select the Text or Label tool 2. Click where you want the label 3. Type the text (e.g., "Eagle Creek Watershed" or "Oak Savanna Transition") 4. Adjust font size and color for visibility 5. Place labels for: - The bioregion name - Major rivers or mountains - Key towns or community centers - Important ecological features

Mark Key Features

Use the Point or Marker tool to indicate: - 🏛️ Community gathering places - 🌾 Significant agricultural areas - 🌳 Protected natural areas or reserves - 🏞️ Cultural or sacred sites - 💧 Water sources (springs, lakes, aquifers) - 🏘️ Major settlements within the bioregion

To add a marker: 1. Select the Point tool 2. Choose an icon or color 3. Click on the location 4. Add a name and description in the pop-up 5. Save the marker

Document Rationale

As you map, keep notes on your decisions: - Why did you choose this watershed over that one? - What traditional knowledge informed the boundaries? - Where are there uncertainties or areas of debate? - What compromises did you make?

Where to document: - In the map's "Description" field if available - In a separate document that you'll attach to your bioregion application - In meeting notes with your core team

Part 5: Saving and Exporting Your Work

Save Your Map in the Interface

To save your work: 1. Click the Save or Export Project button 2. Give your bioregion a name (e.g., "Willamette Valley Bioregion") 3. Add a description 4. Set permissions (who can view/edit) 5. Click "Save"

Important: Save your work frequently as you map! The interface may time out after inactivity.

Export Your Bioregion Boundary

You'll want to export your boundary for several purposes: - Include in your bioregion application - Share with team members - Archive for future reference - Use in other mapping tools

Export formats: 1. GeoJSON (best for web use, UBEC database) - Most flexible and widely supported - Recommended for your bioregion application

  1. KML (best for Google Earth, general sharing)
  2. Easy for non-technical team members to view

  3. Good for presentations

  4. Shapefile (best for GIS software like QGIS, ArcGIS)

  5. Use if you'll do further analysis

  6. Standard format for professional GIS work

  7. PDF (best for printing, reports)

  8. Create a static map image
  9. Include scale, legend, and labels
  10. Good for documentation

To export: 1. Select your bioregion boundary (if not already selected) 2. Click Export or Download 3. Choose your format 4. Save the file with a clear name (e.g., willamette-bioregion-2025-11.geojson) 5. Store it in a safe location (cloud storage, shared drive)

Create a Printable Map

For presentations and documentation:

Step 1: Set up the print view 1. Adjust the map zoom to show your entire bioregion 2. Enable the layers you want to appear (base map, boundary, labels) 3. Disable any layers you don't need for printing

Step 2: Access print function 1. Click the Print icon (often a printer symbol) 2. Choose your print settings: - Page size (A4, Letter, A3) - Orientation (Portrait or Landscape) - Include legend, scale bar, north arrow

Step 3: Generate and save 1. Click "Generate" or "Create PDF" 2. Wait for the PDF to be created 3. Download and save it 4. Review to ensure quality

What to include in your printed map: - ✅ Bioregion boundary (clearly marked) - ✅ Key natural features (rivers, mountains, lakes) - ✅ Major settlements or community centers - ✅ Scale bar and north arrow - ✅ Legend explaining colors and symbols - ✅ Title: "[Your Bioregion Name] - Natural Boundaries" - ✅ Date and version - ✅ Attribution: "Created using UBEC Mapping Interface"

Part 6: Sharing Your Map with Your Team

Share Access to the Online Map

If the interface supports user accounts: 1. Add team members as users 2. Set their permission level: - View only: Can see the map but not edit - Edit: Can modify boundaries and features - Admin: Can manage permissions and settings 3. Share the map URL with them

If using a single account: - Share login credentials securely - Establish a protocol for who makes edits when - Use a shared document to track changes

Share Files for Offline Review

Send your exported files to team members: 1. GeoJSON or KML file - They can open in Google Earth or QGIS 2. PDF map - Easy to view, comment, and share 3. Screenshots - For quick reference in emails or chat

How to share: - Email attachments (if files are small) - Cloud storage links (Google Drive, Dropbox) - Project management tools (Slack, Asana)

Collaborative Review Process

Gather feedback: 1. Share the map with a wider group of stakeholders: - Farmers and land managers - Community leaders - Indigenous knowledge holders - Local government (if appropriate) - Environmental organizations

  1. Ask specific questions:
  2. "Does this boundary make sense based on how water flows?"
  3. "Are there communities split by this boundary that should be together?"

  4. "What key features are missing from this map?"

  5. Document all feedback:

  6. Who provided it
  7. What they suggested
  8. Whether you incorporated it (and why or why not)

Iterate: - Return to the mapping interface - Make adjustments based on feedback - Save a new version - Share the updated map - Repeat until your team reaches consensus

Part 7: Using Your Map in Your Bioregion Application

Required Map Documentation for UBEC

When you submit your bioregion application to the UBEC Protocol, include:

  1. GeoJSON file of your boundary
  2. This is the technical file that will be loaded into the UBEC database

  3. Ensure it's a valid GeoJSON file (test it at geojson.io)

  4. Descriptive PDF map

  5. High-quality printed map showing the bioregion

  6. Include all key features, labels, and legend

  7. Boundary justification document (1-2 pages)

  8. Explain why you chose this boundary
  9. Describe the watersheds, ecosystems, and communities included
  10. Note any traditional or indigenous land boundaries considered

  11. Discuss any complexities or contested areas

  12. Area and population statistics

  13. Total area (in square kilometers or miles)
  14. Population within the bioregion
  15. Number of communities or settlements
  16. Key economic activities (agriculture, forestry, etc.)

Map Metadata to Include

In your documentation, specify: - Coordinate system used: (e.g., WGS84, UTM Zone XX) - Date map was created: Month and year - Version number: (if you've made multiple iterations) - Core team members who created it: Names and roles - Data sources used: (e.g., USGS watersheds, local farmer knowledge) - Scale and precision: How zoomed in you were when drawing

Part 8: Advanced Mapping Techniques

Analyze Watershed Characteristics

Once you have your boundary, you can use the mapping interface to gather more data:

Topographic Analysis: 1. Turn on the Elevation or Terrain layer 2. Identify highest and lowest points 3. Note major ridges and valleys 4. Document elevation range

Hydrological Analysis: 1. Turn on Rivers and Streams layer 2. Identify the main river or creek in your bioregion 3. Trace where water enters and exits 4. Note major tributaries

Land Cover Analysis: 1. Turn on Land Use layer 2. Calculate approximate percentages: - Forest cover - Agricultural land - Urban areas - Wetlands - Protected areas

To calculate percentages: - Some interfaces have an Area Measurement tool - Click around different land cover types to measure - Use these for your bioregion description

Create Multiple Map Views

For different purposes, create different map versions:

View 1: Natural Boundaries - Focus on watersheds, ecosystems, climate - Minimal human features - For explaining the ecological basis

View 2: Human Communities - Show settlements, roads, infrastructure - Overlay on natural boundaries - For understanding who lives in the bioregion

View 3: Economic Activities - Highlight farms, forests, industrial areas - Show resource flows - For planning economic initiatives

View 4: Opportunities and Challenges - Mark areas of degradation - Show regeneration projects - Identify priority areas for action

Overlay with Existing Political Boundaries

Understanding how your bioregion relates to political boundaries is important:

To overlay: 1. Add a layer for county, municipal, or state boundaries 2. Make it semi-transparent (so you can see both) 3. Document overlaps and discrepancies 4. Note which governments have jurisdiction

Why this matters: - You may need to work with multiple local governments - Political boundaries affect regulations, funding, infrastructure - Helps you understand governance complexity

Part 9: Tips for Success

Do's

✅ Start with natural features - Watersheds are the most reliable basis for bioregions - Let the land tell you where the boundaries are

✅ Involve diverse voices - Farmers, indigenous people, ecologists, community members - Each brings different knowledge

✅ Be flexible - The first boundary you draw won't be the final one - Expect to iterate 3-5 times

✅ Document your process - Save multiple versions with dates - Keep notes on decisions made - Record dissenting opinions

✅ Use multiple data sources - Cross-reference watershed maps with ecosystem maps - Combine scientific data with traditional knowledge - Field-verify what you see on the map

✅ Think long-term - Will this boundary still make sense in 10 years? - Is it based on enduring features, not temporary conditions?

✅ Keep it simple - A clean, clear boundary is better than a complex one - Err on the side of slightly larger, not smaller

Don'ts

❌ Don't use political boundaries as your primary guide - Counties, states, and nations rarely align with watersheds - They can inform your map, but shouldn't define it

❌ Don't split a watershed - Water flows connect everything in a watershed - Splitting it creates dependency and complexity

❌ Don't make it too large - People can't build relationships across a huge area - Economic coordination gets harder with distance

❌ Don't ignore traditional land knowledge - Indigenous and long-time land stewards know the region - Their knowledge often reveals boundaries you'd miss otherwise

❌ Don't rush - Good bioregion mapping takes time - A hasty map will cause problems later

❌ Don't map alone - One person's perspective is always limited - Collaborative mapping builds shared understanding

Part 10: Troubleshooting Common Issues

"I can't see the base map"

Possible solutions: - Check your internet connection - Try refreshing the page - Clear your browser cache - Try a different browser - Contact UBEC support if the problem persists

"The map is loading very slowly"

Possible solutions: - Zoom in to a smaller area - Turn off unnecessary layers - Close other browser tabs - Check your internet speed - Try during off-peak hours

"I accidentally deleted my boundary"

Possible solutions: - Click "Undo" if available (Ctrl+Z or Cmd+Z) - Check if there's a version history - If you saved a previous version, reload it - Start over from your last saved export - Learn from this - save more frequently!

"My boundary doesn't align with the watershed layer"

This is common! Here's why: - Different datasets use different methods - Watershed layers may be low-resolution - Your local knowledge may be more accurate

What to do: - Trust your field knowledge over generic data layers - Use watershed layers as a guide, not gospel - Document why you diverged from the standard layer - Verify with local hydrologists if possible

"My team disagrees on the boundary"

Healthy conflict resolution: 1. Understand each perspective: - What natural features are they prioritizing? - What communities do they want included/excluded? - What are their underlying concerns?

  1. Look for compromise:
  2. Can you adjust to satisfy both views?
  3. Are there areas where precision matters less?

  4. Can you start with a smaller "pilot" bioregion?

  5. Use data to inform:

  6. What do watershed maps show?
  7. What do ecoregion maps show?

  8. What do economic flow data show?

  9. Vote or use consensus:

  10. If truly stuck, take a vote
  11. Or use a consensus process (no one blocks)

  12. Document the decision and move forward

  13. Plan to iterate:

  14. Boundaries can evolve
  15. Start with the best compromise now
  16. Review and adjust after 6-12 months

"The exported file doesn't work"

Check these common issues: - File format: Did you export the right format? (GeoJSON is most reliable) - File size: Is it too large? (Simplify the boundary if so) - Validation: Test your GeoJSON at geojson.io - Software compatibility: Does the receiving tool support your format?

If still stuck: - Try exporting as a different format - Check for special characters in the filename - Download to your computer first, then upload to other tools - Contact UBEC support with the error message

Part 11: Case Studies

Example 1: Willamette Valley Bioregion (Oregon, USA)

Challenge: The Willamette Valley is a large, diverse area with multiple watersheds.

Approach: 1. Started with the entire Willamette River basin 2. Realized it was too large (30,000+ sq km) 3. Divided into three sub-bioregions: - Upper Willamette (Eugene area) - Mid-Willamette (Salem area) - Lower Willamette (Portland area) 4. Each has its own climate, agriculture, and community patterns

Lesson: Large bioregions can be subdivided into manageable sub-regions that still honor watershed boundaries.

Example 2: Karoo Bioregion (South Africa)

Challenge: A semi-arid region with diffuse watersheds and low population density.

Approach: 1. Used ecological zones (Karoo vegetation type) as primary boundary 2. Included the entire Orange River sub-basin 3. Mapped traditional livestock migration routes 4. Included several small towns in the planning area

Lesson: In arid regions, ecosystem type can be more important than watersheds for defining bioregions.

Example 3: Thames Estuary Bioregion (England)

Challenge: An urban bioregion where the river meets the sea, with major metropolitan areas.

Approach: 1. Centered on the Thames River estuary 2. Extended to include the tidal reach of the river 3. Incorporated several London boroughs 4. Included rural areas upstream for food production 5. Focused on urban food systems and green infrastructure

Lesson: Bioregions can include major cities. The key is finding the natural features (like a river) that unite the region.

Example 4: Amazonian Tributary Bioregion (Brazil)

Challenge: Mapping in a region with limited digital infrastructure and documentation.

Approach: 1. Relied heavily on indigenous knowledge of the watershed 2. Used satellite imagery to identify river networks 3. Held community workshops to validate boundaries 4. Used handheld GPS units to collect field data 5. Combined all data in the mapping interface

Lesson: Traditional knowledge and community participation are essential, especially where digital maps are incomplete.

Part 12: Next Steps After Mapping

1. Validate Your Map in the Field

Why field validation matters: - Maps can be misleading or outdated - The best way to know a bioregion is to walk it - Field work builds relationship with the land

How to validate: 1. Hike the ridgelines that define your boundaries - Do they really separate watersheds? - Can you see both sides?

  1. Follow the rivers
  2. Walk or paddle along key waterways
  3. Note where tributaries join

  4. Identify springs and water sources

  5. Visit transition zones

  6. Go to places where the map shows ecosystem changes

  7. Do you observe the shift (forest to grassland, wet to dry)?

  8. Talk to land stewards

  9. Visit farmers, ranchers, foresters at the boundaries
  10. Ask them where they notice changes in soil, climate, vegetation
  11. Incorporate their knowledge

2. Present to Wider Community

Preparing your presentation: 1. Create a story around the map - Start with why bioregions matter - Show the natural features that define yours - Explain the decisions you made

  1. Use visuals:
  2. Printed maps (large format if possible)
  3. Slides showing different map layers

  4. Photos from field validation trips

  5. Invite participation:

  6. Ask for feedback and corrections
  7. Welcome additional perspectives
  8. Make it feel inclusive, not top-down

Where to present: - Community meetings and town halls - Farm bureau or agricultural groups - Environmental organizations - Indigenous councils or tribes - Local government advisory boards

3. Finalize and Submit

Before submitting to UBEC: - ✅ Incorporate all major feedback - ✅ Have your core team approve the final boundary - ✅ Prepare all required documentation (GeoJSON, PDF, narrative) - ✅ Double-check file formats and metadata - ✅ Write your boundary justification - ✅ Calculate area and population statistics - ✅ Review the UBEC bioregion application requirements

Submission checklist: - [ ] GeoJSON boundary file - [ ] High-quality PDF map - [ ] Boundary justification document (1-2 pages) - [ ] List of core team members - [ ] Area and population data - [ ] Notes on community consultation process - [ ] Contact information for bioregion coordinators

4. Continue Refining

Boundaries are not set in stone: - They can evolve as you learn more - Communities can join or leave - Ecological understanding can deepen

Plan for review: - Revisit the map every 12 months - Adjust based on participant feedback - Document changes and why they were made - Keep version history

Appendix A: Glossary of Terms

Bioregion: A geographic area defined by natural characteristics (watersheds, ecosystems, climate) rather than political boundaries, forming the basis for ecological and economic organization.

Ecoregion: Areas of generally similar ecosystems and environmental conditions, often used interchangeably with bioregion, though ecoregions are more focused on ecological classification.

GeoJSON: A format for encoding geographic data structures using JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), widely supported by web mapping applications.

GIS (Geographic Information System): Software for creating, managing, analyzing, and mapping geographic data.

Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC): A unique identifier for watersheds in a hierarchical system used by the USGS (United States Geological Survey).

KML (Keyhole Markup Language): An XML-based format for geographic data, originally created for Google Earth.

Mapbender: An open-source web mapping framework for managing and publishing spatial data, used as the basis for the UBEC mapping interface.

Watershed: An area of land where all water that falls on it flows to a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean; also called a drainage basin or catchment.

WMS (Web Map Service): A standard protocol for serving georeferenced map images over the internet, developed by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC).

Data Sources for Boundary Identification

Global/Continental Scale: - WWF Terrestrial Ecoregions - Freshwater Ecoregions of the World (FEOW) - FAO Soil Maps

Regional/National (examples): - USA: USGS Watershed Boundary Dataset, EPA Ecoregions - Canada: Canadian Watershed Information Network - Europe: European Environment Agency Biogeographical Regions - Australia: Australian Bioregions - Africa: African Watershed Atlas

Books on Bioregionalism

  • Home! A Bioregional Reader edited by Van Andruss, Christopher Plant, Judith Plant, and Eleanor Wright
  • Discovering Your Natural Community by David Berg
  • Reinhabiting a Separate Country: A Bioregional Anthology of Northern California edited by Peter Berg
  • Dwellers in the Land: The Bioregional Vision by Kirkpatrick Sale

Mapping Tools

  • Google Earth - Free desktop and web application
  • QGIS - Free and open-source GIS software
  • GeoJSON.io - Simple web tool for creating and viewing GeoJSON
  • OpenStreetMap - Collaborative, open-source world map

Learning Resources

Appendix C: Technical Specifications

UBEC Mapping Interface Technical Details

Coordinate Systems Supported: - WGS84 (EPSG:4326) - Standard for web mapping - Web Mercator (EPSG:3857) - Used by most online maps - Local/regional coordinate systems (check interface documentation)

File Upload Limits: - Maximum file size: Typically 10-50 MB (check interface) - Recommended: Keep GeoJSON files under 5 MB for performance - If larger, simplify your geometry (reduce points)

Supported File Formats: - GeoJSON (.geojson, .json) - Recommended for UBEC - KML/KMZ (.kml, .kmz) - Google Earth format - GML (.gml) - Geography Markup Language - GPX (.gpx) - GPS Exchange Format

Browser Compatibility: - Chrome (recommended) - version 90+ - Firefox - version 88+ - Safari - version 14+ - Edge - version 90+

Minimum Screen Resolution: - Desktop: 1280x720 pixels - Mobile/Tablet: Responsive design (use landscape mode for best experience)

Contact and Support

For Questions About Bioregion Mapping:

For Technical Issues with the Mapping Interface:

For General UBEC Protocol Inquiries:

Document Information

Version: 1.0
Date: November 13, 2025
Author: UBEC Protocol Documentation Team
Status: Final
Next Review: May 2026

Attribution

This project uses the services of Claude and Anthropic PBC to inform our decisions and recommendations. This project was made possible with the assistance of Claude and Anthropic PBC.

UBEC Protocol | Ubuntu Bioregional Economic Commons
Building regenerative economies rooted in place and relationship

"The land doesn't care about our political boundaries. It follows its own logic—the logic of water, soil, and life. When we align our economies with that logic, everything changes."