Products that synthesize and visualize data for science engagement and conservation insights
Bird Migration Explorer
Led the design and build of the Bird Migration Explorer—a geospatial web application that engages audiences and provides unique insights through visualization of bird migration patterns, connections, and conservation challenges for 450 species across the Western Hemisphere. Behind the Explorer is a large and complex interoperable system of spatial and quantitative data synthesized from contributions by nearly 300 research institutions. We developed the product in partnership with ten major science, technology, and conservation organizations. The Explorer is visited by hundreds of thousands of users each year and has been widely used for applications in conservation, research, education, engagement, and advocacy.
Storymaps Featuring the Aerial Odysseys of Migratory Birds
Authored Aerial Odysseys: Bird Migration in the Americas in collaboration with the Storymaps team at Esri. This storymap was co-launched with the Bird Migration Explorer to bring attention to the heroic migrations that individual birds make and tell a more indepth story about the journey of Diego the Swainson’s Hawk. The storymap was selected by Esri as one of the Top Ten Stories of 2022 and is now featured in Allen Carroll’s new book Telling Stories with Maps. Also created a storymap collection following birds along the Pacific, Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic Flyways to engage visitors at Audubon centers.
Ecological Atlas of Three Arctic Seas
Lead editor/author of the Ecological Atlas of the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas, a peer-reviewed, transboundary synthesis of spatial data, wildlife ecology, and conservation issues. This 2nd edition atlas was completed in cooperation with numerous US, Canadian, and Russian agencies and organizations. The atlas won best in show and other cartographic awards at Esri’s 2018 User Conference. This and the earlier 2010 version of this atlas have been widely used by state and federal agencies for planning, preparedness, and response applications. The associated interactive mapping portal provides deeper access to the vast data included in the atlas.
Southeast Alaska Birding Trail
Initiated, designed, launched the Southeast Alaska Birding Trail. In partnership with the US Forest Service and Juneau Audubon Society, the trail attracts local to international birdwatchers to key migratory sites for birds, providing conservation engagement opportunities while contributing to the local economies of Alaska’s small, formerly timber-dependent communities.
Ecological Atlas of Southeast Alaska
Lead editor and cartographer for the Ecological Atlas of Southeast Alaska, a resource that steps through the physical and biological setting of the region, including maps of the distribution of fish, birds, mammals, and human uses, with information on conservation needs.
M. Smith. A Hemispheric Perspective on Local Bird Migration. 2024. In Whale & Bird Fest, Craig, AK.
M. Smith. Bird Migration Explorer. 2023. In Smithsonian Movement of Life, Washington, DC (remote). Available here (55:45).
M. Smith, C. Wilsey, M. Carbone, E. Knight, and N. Henry, 2023. Sustainable World Showcase: Journey of the Bird Migration Explorer. In Esri User Conference, San Diego, CA.
M. Smith, J. Mahoney, E. Ashcroft, and N. Henry, 2023. Amplifying a cutting-edge product with tech partnerships. In NTEN Nonprofit Technology Conference, Denver, CO.
M. Smith*, 2022. Harnessing the power of GIS for bird conservation (keynote presentation). University of Pennsylvania GIS Day. Philadelphia, PA. Recording available here.
M. Smith*, 2021. A geospatial platform to connect birders with migration and conservation. In Esri User Conference. Recording available here.
M. Smith*, 2020. A geospatial platform for hemispheric bird conservation. In GIS Day: Low Budget, High Fidelity. Recording available here.
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