NatureServe's Environmental Review Tool is a web-mapping application framework developed in collaboration with our Network partners to provide interactive access to natural resources data. The tool can be highly customized to match the needs of the hosting agency and is currently successfully deployed for the states of Virginia, Arizona, North Carolina, Louisiana, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, New Mexico and Kentucky with further deployments in development.
Learn more about the tool through this interactive story map.
The Environmental Review Tool represents a highly customizable off-the-shelf web application framework. By leveraging and extending this robust platform, NatureServe can implement and deploy a custom tool for an agency for a fraction of the cost of building a new, made-to-order system. Using a software-as-a-service delivery model, ERT clients are ensured ongoing system improvements, support, and secure hosting for an affordable annual fee.
Built on the Drupal content management system and Esri's ArcGIS for Server, the Environmental Review Tool's core functions allow:
- access to natural resources and other map layers via a secure web map viewer
- the ability for public users to explore and query map layers for conservation planning and educational purposes
- the submission of projects for environmental review screening
- the automated review of submitted projects and generation of formatted PDF report receipts, including embedded maps and guidance
ERT's Drupal framework provides agency administrators the ability to manage system configurations and update contents on a day-to-day basis without requiring involvement and additional support costs from the hosting provider. ArcGIS tools are utilized for developing and publishing a customized and secure automated project review analysis geoprocess which streamlines environmental reviews, reduces agency staff workload, maximizes throughput and reduces wait times for clients.