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Alabama Gap Analysis Project (AL-GAP) uses satellite imagery and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to develop baseline data sets needed to assess biological diversity at statewide and regional scales. AL-GAP employs the use of GIS to perform a "gap analysis" and identify the degree to which native animal species and plant communities are currently protected in the existing network of conservation lands.  Gap analysis is an analytical process which assesses the conservation of animal species and their habitats collectively by mapping the distribution of vertebrate species and plant communities for comparison against patterns of land use and land management.  Animal species and/or plant communities that are not adequately protected, or unprotected in lands currently managed for conservation are considered a conservation “gap.”   The data and information developed through AL-GAP can be used by land managers, planners, and researchers to institute management plans, perform large-area conservation assessments, validate changes in land use practices, and identify areas that are important for future conservation.

AL-GAP Project Objectives:

• Map the existing land cover communities of Alabama for species habitat representation (i.e. Land Cover Mapping).
• Map the predicted distribution for all vertebrate species native to Alabama (i.e. Vertebrate Predicted Distribution mapping).
• Map ownership boundaries of public and private conservation lands and their degree of conservation commitment towards managing for biological diversity (i.e. Stewardship Mapping).
• Identify “gaps” in the conservation of land cover and animal communities
• Identify species rich areas (i.e. Richness Mapping).
• Provide data to the public and agencies tasked with land use research, planning, and management.
• Promote cooperative approaches toward the development and use of GAP data

All products for the AL-GAP Project have been completed, including the Land Cover map, Vertebrate Predicted Distribution maps, and Stewardship maps. Provisional versions of these data sets are currently available to the public for download from our website at www.auburn.edu/gap.