About

OdonataCentral makes use of relational databases to dynamically generate maps, checklists, and accompanying data. We have worked hard to make sure that the delivery and processing times for this information is as fast as possible, but to achieve the most from this site you will need a fast broadband connection. The site is best viewed using Mozilla Firefox at a minimum screen resolution of 1024x768. The interactive maps make use of Google Maps and will be perform under the conditions designated by Google.

The initial distribution data used on this site is based on the North American Dot Map Project. A project initiated by Nick Donnelly and involving more than 100 contributors from the Odonata community. The goal of this project was to accurately document the distributions of all North American species. The final product from this project was published as a three volume set in 2004.

Donnelly, T.W. 2004. Distribution of North American Odonata. Part I: Aeshnidae, Petaluridae, Gomphidae, Cordulegastridae. Bulletin of American Odonatology 7(4):61-90.

Donnelly, T.W. 2004. Distribution of North American Odonata. Part II: Macromiidae, Corduliidae and Libellulidae. Bulletin of American Odonatology 8(1):1-32.

Donnelly, T.W. 2004. Distribution of North American Odonata. Part III: Calopterygidae, Lestidae, Coenagrionidae, Protoneuridae, Platystictidae, with data sources and bibliography, parts 1-III. Bulletin of American Odonatology 8(2-3):33-99.

I did not want to lose the momentum that was created with this project. From this the new OdonataCentral was born. I wanted to develop a dynamic delivery system that was more interactive and easily updatable than hardcopy materials. Through the use of PHP and Google Maps we have provided just such an interface. Not only can you view the distribution of any species in North America (and ultimately the world), but you can generate maps and checklists on the fly. You can also submit verifiable records to be included in the database. This site and our growing knowledge of Odonata distributions depends on your contributions.

You can read about the decisions made regarding the taxonomy used within this site by clicking here. I hope that OdonataCentral will serve as a facilitating mechanism to collect and disseminate the growing body of knowledge on the distributions of North American Odonata species. I invite you to email me with any ideas or information that you think can improve this site.

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Credits

This site would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of a number of people. Damon Broglie provided substantial support on the initial web development of this site. In particular, he is responsible for Odonata Distribution Viewer. Larry Kubin developed the latest version of the site in PHP and JavaScript, and migrated all of the data into a redesigned Oracle database. Larry now runs his own company, Sephira Software LLC, so if you need any software/web development done, send him an email.

Nick Donnelly provided the initial distribution data gathered through the North American Dot Map Project.

Vetting of records is done by a number of recognized experts including John Abbott, Giff Beaton, Kathy Biggs, Nick Donnelly, Jim Johnson, Collin Jones, Steve Krotzer, Tim Manolis and Dennis Paulson.

Bob Behrstock, Dustin Huntington, and Greg Lasley have all graciously agreed to allow me to use many of their wonderful photographs in this site.