XVI International Botanical Congess

The use of Global Imaging Systems (GIS) is an important emerging tool for botanical and ecological research. One innovative use of this technology was its utilization for the floristic documentation of the Agua Tibia Mountains in Southern California. A large taxonomic database of over 4000 specimens was developed for the area from field sampling and herbaria searches. Additional data layers including topography, hydrology, geology, vegetation assemblages, and land ownership boundaries were acquired for the study area. This collection of specimens and other data were then mapped to provide a graphical representation of the mountain's floristic composition. The advantage of this digital-based flora is its ability to perform multi-variable searches and queries for ecological and conservation planning, a task that traditional, text-based Floras could not provide.