abcGIS provides a range of geospatial solutions from data analysis to the development of sophisticated GIS applications for the web. We aim to provide the highest quality and affordable geospatial services in a timely manner. Our geospatial services include

• GIS Needs Analysis

GIS needs analysis enables an organisation’s existing use of geospatial information and technologies to be reviewed. Once an inventory has assessed the value of the existing framework, outstanding needs can be identified and addressed and the business benefits of introducing improvements to the geospatial Information Technology base calculated.


• Spatial Analysis and Investigation

Spatial analysis can highlight important relationships between variables that may not be apparent from visual inspection. At abcGIS our team have experience in mathematical and statistical spatial analyses of complex data sets in the field of ecology. In addition to standard statistical techniques we have several years experience in the development of customised mathematical and computer simulation models capable of exploring complex relationships between biological and environmental variables at a wide range of temporal and spatial scales.


• GIS Database Design and Development

abcGIS specialise in the design and development of database solutions that enable clients to easily and quickly update the geospatial content of their website. We can either add applications to existing websites to make them dynamic or can create online databases.


• GIS Web Application Development

Sharing of spatial information via Geographic Information Systems has, until now, been limited to the dissemination of files in formats often only readable using expensive software such as ESRI's ArcGIS. Recent advances in software capable of integrating these files into websites now enables people with limited or no knowledge of GIS to explore online spatial data without the need for expensive client-side software.

The ability to communicate spatial information is essential for ecologists. Whilst only a few years ago species distribution data were available only in text books and field guides, the internet is now frequently used to distribute this information among researchers and the public. The public play a key role in conservation and sharing information with them via the internet can not only raise awareness of issues such as the impacts of climate change, but can also encourage people to get involved with surveying, monitoring and protecting populations. The Nature's Calendar, developed by the Woodland Trust, for example, enables anyone in the UK to contribute records on seasonal occurrences (e.g., the timing of frogs spawning or the date of first fruit ripening), thereby providing evidence as to how UK wildlife is responding to climate change.

Using the latest open source technologies, abcGIS specialises in the development of applications for the internet that enable users to explore spatial datasets, particularly those relating to ecology and conservation. These websites can encompass even the advanced functionality of GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS), allowing the user to select, view and explore a region of interest and the data associated with it. abcGIS can build an entirely new website devoted to displaying and describing your spatial data or can integrate a GIS into your existing website.


• GIS Training

abcGIS conducts on-site training aimed at providing conceptual knowledge of GIS combined with hands on training in GIS products. Training provided includes basic and advanced courses on GIS data management, the use of standard GIS Software, GIS application development and maintenance. Our training programs are customised and flexible to focus on the client's specific needs and help to keep them abreast with the rapidly changing and evolving technical nature of Geographical Information Systems.

We also offer web and geohosting. Please contact us for further details.

abcGIS was founded in 2009 by Ian Elliott and Helen Edwards. Ian and Helen met whilst studying for their Masters degree in Mathematics in the Living Environment at the University of York in 2001. Since then they have worked together on a number of projects at the Marine Spatial Ecology Laboratory at the University of Exeter. These include mapping of disturbance regimes at different scales across the Caribbean and introducing more realism into reserve-selection algorithms to design marine reserves for the Belize barrier reef and Bahamas Archipelago. Ian and Helen have multi-disciplinary backgrounds with an emphasis on computing, mathematics and ecology.

Recent projects completed by abcGIS include a website to display the potential of Earth Observation data for monitoring the health of, and stressors acting upon, coral reefs off the coast of Belize and a website that maps UK Biodiversity Action Plan species associated with ponds. See the projects page for more information.

Helen Edwards, BSc, MRes, PhD

Managing Director

Helen has had an interest in natural history, the environment and conservation from an early age, and following an honours degree in mathematics took graduate degrees in biology, enabling her to realise her dream of applying her skills in mathematics to the field of ecology. Helen's interest in spatial information and spatial processes began during her PhD, during which she developed and analysed mathematical and computer simulation models of the spatial population dynamics of Atlantic cod. Since then she has continued to work in the field of spatial ecology as a post doctoral researcher at the University of Exeter. Helen has co-authored a number of reports and papers including an article in the leading scientific journal Nature.

Helen's research has focused on understanding the spatial dynamics of interacting populations, the development of tools for conservation planning, and exploring how incorporating differing levels of complexity can influence model outcomes. Helen's post doctoral research, funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the UK's Natural Environment Research Council explored variation in disturbance regimes across the Caribbean and how such variation may impact upon the future trajectories of marine ecosystems. Together with Ian Elliott and in collaboration with other researchers from the Bahamas Biocomplexity Project Helen developed a new reserve-selection tool with the aim of integrating biodiversity and socio-economic perspectives into reserve-system design.

View Helen's Curriculum Vitae.

Ian Elliott, BEng, MRes

Director

Ian's post-graduate research, conducted at the University of Exeter, UK, consisted of various projects related to the science of marine reserve design with an emphasis on mapping marine habitats and designing reserves that are robust in a changing climate. Ian’s previous positions include researcher at the University of Cambridge and at the British Antarctic Survey where he investigated the population dynamics of marine species in the Antarctic. Ian is a graduate of the University of York where he gained honours degrees in computer science and a masters degree in mathematics for the environment.

Ian's recent work, funded by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, has included the development of a web GIS application for the Bahamas Archipelago.

Ian's background in computing and experience in programming, information management and web development, together with recent work on the remote sensing of satellite imagery, spatial conservation and web GIS systems have given him a unique combination of skills in the field of geospatial information management.

View Ian's Curriculum Vitae.