Welcome to VectorMap !

VectorMap is a product of the Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit based in the Smithsonian Institution (see link for WRBU above). VectorMap is an entry point to data in the map services listed in the figure to the left. These services include spatial point data for vectors in MosquitoMap, SandflyMap and TickMap - geospatially referenced clearinghouses for arthropod disease vector species collection records and distribution models. Users can pan and zoom to anywhere in the world to view the locations of past mosquito, tick and sand fly collections and the results of modeling that predicts the geographic extent of individual species. Collection records are searchable and downloadable, users can map and contribute their own georeferenced collection data or distribution models, and all contributions have full attribution. Currently, MosquitoMap has 294,485 records, TickMap has 55,914 records, and SandflyMap has 7,452 records.

WHAT'S NEW?>>>>>>>>Take the VECTORMAP SURVEY!>>>>>>>>VECTORMAP TUTORIAL

VectorMap is designed to preserve and make available the results of past collecting and distribution modeling activity. The utility of VectorMap will increase as more records and models are added. Contributions are encouraged, especially from individuals and organizations with digitized, georeferenced records and those involved in ongoing mosquito surveillance. VectorMap is modeled on MosquitoMap - see International Journal of Health Geographics. For an introduction to georeferencing standards and procedures see Journal of Medical Entomology.

• MosquitoMap is useful for:

  • informing decisions about where mosquito collection efforts should be directed
  • identifying areas relevant to the study of mosquito biogeography, evolution and biodiversity
  • allow predictions about the potential spread of exotic mosquito introductions
  • allow predictions about the potential effects of global warming on mosquito distributions
  • allow insights into mosquito community structure, and environmental and climatic correlates to species occurrence (ecological niche)
  • allow continent-wide rather than just local studies of vector-borne disease
  • identifying cryptic evolutionary lineages that differ in geographic or ecological space.

The Mal-area calculator

A novel enhancement of VectorMap is the Mal-area calculator (MAC) that quantifies the overlap between vector and pathogen distribution models, and host (human) population. The co-occurrence of vectors, parasites and hosts are required for many vector-borne diseases, and the MAC quantifies this co-occurrence for a given area, thus potentially providing a map and simple index of disease risk for any area of interest. At the moment the MAC is at the 'proof of concept' stage, but we plan to roll out an operational version in the near future!

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The quality and completeness of data cannot be guaranteed. Users employ these data at their own risk.
By downloading and/or viewing data on the MosquitoMap, SandflyMap, and TickMap portals, you are agreeing to these conditions.

OPEN SandflyMap

Funding for VectorMap was provided by the US Department of Defense Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System(DoD-GEIS), a Division of the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, and from the Global Biodiversity Information System (GBIF). Comments and questions should be directed to VectorMap.