Ecosystem Services Mapping Datasets
This page was edited by SE CASC staff to comply with UNC System and federal guidance; some original language was modified on January 12, 2026.
Project Information
Proposed Project Completion: July 2024
Principal Investigator(s): Lydia Olander and Katie Warnell, Duke University Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions
Implements Science Plan Theme: Adaptation
Key Points
- Develops spatial understanding of ecosystem services across the southeast
- Subprojects support many stakeholders and purposes, including resource managers and state government initiatives
- Projects changes in ecosystem services in response to climate change
Overview
Ecosystem services are benefits that natural ecosystems give to people. They are tied to the specific ecosystems that create them, and thus only found in specific areas. It’s useful to map out what kinds of landscapes provide certain services for many reasons. Maps can help identify where there are lots of ecosystem services and where they are lacking. We can use these maps for land-use planning, conservation planning, and finding environmental justice issues.
This project mapped current ecosystem services and the potential for future changes in the Southeast US. We found opportunity areas for management actions that could enhance or protect ecosystem services. We used data from public, national-scale sources wherever possible. This allows the analyses to be adapted to other areas of the US.
We used ecosystem services mapping in several subprojects:
Subproject: Mapping Ecosystem Services for Natural Capital Accounting
This project mapped ecosystem services in several pilot ecosystems across the Southeast US. We studied the condition of the ecosystems providing these services over time. We used our data to create pilot ecosystem “accounts.” These are natural capital accounts, which assess an ecosystem’s contributions to the economy. Governments look at these data to understand where they could manage resources to retain ecosystem services. This data was also used to identify target areas for conservation and restoration to increase natural capital.
Subproject: Natural and Working Lands Planning in North Carolina
This project supported the North Carolina Natural and Working Lands Action Plan. The Action Plan’s goal is to increase potential ecosystem services that NC’s farms, forests, and wetlands could provide. These services include sequestering carbon, supporting community resilience, and enhancing the state’s economy. This project developed several maps and recommendations for the Action Plan.
Subproject: Effects of sea level rise on coastal habitats and blue carbon
Sea level rise is causing big changes to coastal habitats. This also changes the location and amount of ecosystem services provided by these habitats. We used a location-based model to map coastal habitat changes due to sea level rise in six mid-Atlantic states. We also created ways to measure how these habitat changes affect the net carbon flux of coastal areas.
More Information
Relevant webposts
SE CASC Supported Study Projects Increased Habitat Loss and Carbon Release in Coastal Marshes