Platform changes impacting legacy Map Search function

Hi NatureMaprs,

Since the early days, NatureMapr has provided a fully flexible, query driven "Map Search" function, which was previously accessible from the "Maps" dropdown menu from within a particular region.

Behind the scenes, this tool, despite its relatively simple appearance, was extremely complex to implement, maintain and support.

The tool was designed to operate within the bounds of NatureMapr's sensitive information handling framework i.e. displaying only the appropriate records to the appropriate people, as well as catering for an unlimited and unrestricted array of flexible query scenarios that thousands of users threw at it on a daily basis. The tool also generated a dynamic species list for all results displayed within the map.

As demand and load on the platform has grown and grown, the Map Search function in its existing form, has become completely unsustainable for NatureMapr to operate.

Beyond the ever-increasing infrastructure costs, this tool also generated a large user support footprint that our team simply aren't funded to support.

As we work to consolidate the community platform into a more sustainable long term position given reduced funding, the legacy Map Search tool has been decommissioned.

The ability to run powerful, open-ended queries against large data sets nationally is a service that national infrastructure providers like the Atlas of Living Australia are better placed to deliver.

We understand that there will be some disappointment within the community at this news.

Targeted Map Search for decision-maker backed programs

NatureMapr will roll out a streamlined and more targeted version of the Map Search function for place-based and species-based programs like NSW BCT Land Libraries, Glossies in the Mist, South East Orchids, Guardians of the Grassy Woodlands and Bats in Backyards.

These programs are decision-maker backed and have a defined scope and an allocated budget to deliver outcomes within that scope - a much more sustainable situation.

This new feature will allow project officers, contributors and landholders involved in these professional programs to interact with the records collected through their program using an interactive map, with results constrained to the scope of the program.

Cheers

Aaron.