Book Review: 'QGIS for Ecologists - An Introduction to Mapping for Ecological Surveys'

'QGIS for Ecologists An Introduction to Mapping for Ecological Surveys'

By Stephanie Kim Miles     

How does one review a guidebook to mapping software? Well, the short answer is it’s not easy.

This, coming from someone who studied similar books on software, computer networking, etc., for close to 15 years (in the past).

To begin with, I focused my attention on how concise, easily readable, useful, and how easy it was to retain the information. As well as how easy it was to put into practical practice, when actually working with the software.

Let’s start with a General Description of the book:

If you're an ecologist, wildlife researcher, or environmental consultant looking to master the art of mapping for your ecological projects, this book is your essential guide. Aimed specifically at beginners, it offers a hands-on approach to using QGIS—an accessible, open-source GIS platform—for creating the maps you need for effective reporting.

It covers the fundamental stages of map-making, providing clear, jargon-free instructions that will help you confidently create a variety of maps commonly used in ecological work. Whether you're navigating the world of ecological consultancy or conducting field surveys, this guide ensures that you have all the tools necessary to produce professional-grade maps without the steep learning curve often associated with GIS software.

Throughout, you'll gain practical skills in creating key maps such as:

• Basic survey maps
• Aerial imagery survey maps
• Designated sites maps
• Desk-study maps
• Protected species maps
• Habitats maps

In addition to map creation, the book walks you through essential QGIS functions, including downloading third-party datasets, creating your own data, geo-referencing images, and importing GPX files. Links to downloadable data and resources are provided, making it easy to access everything you need to replicate the processes outlined in the book. The included workflows offer step-by-step guidance that you can adapt for your own projects, ensuring that the book remains a valuable resource long after you've completed the exercises.

Whether you're a student new to QGIS or a seasoned professional looking to refresh your GIS skills, this book is the perfect companion for anyone working in ecological consultancy, conservation, or related fields. Its straightforward approach and practical applications make it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to integrate GIS mapping into their ecological work.

A volume covering everything you need to know to get started working with QGIS.

 

There are several books on QGIS currently available, as well as guidebooks to using and mastering the QGIS software.

I’ve looked into the other currently available books on QGIS. So that I can effectively inform the reader, as to how this one compares.

The other books, currently available on Amazon (for example) amount to exactly 12 separate titles, when you search for “QGIS book” on Amazon.

I’ve looked into each of them. Out of those 12, QGIS by Stephanie Kim Miles ranks right at the top of the list.

“QGIS for Ecologists” provides a hands-on guide for leveraging QGIS in ecological research and site mapping, blending clarity with technical rigor in its instructional design. The book stands out for its methodical walkthroughs, as evidenced by the included screenshots, which effectively demystify GIS workflows for both new and experienced users.

Practical Step-by-Step Instructions

Instructions are presented in actionable steps, such as grid creation, exporting data, and working with designated sites maps. Each segment carefully outlines not only what you need to do, but also why it’s important, fostering greater understanding for users unfamiliar with GIS terminology. The designated sites map section provides multiple methods—downloading basemaps, connecting to online basemaps, and adding boundary data through Web Map Services—ensuring flexibility no matter the available data or user expertise.

Focused Exercises and Guided Questions

In addition to practical tutorials, the book incorporates guided exercises reflective of an educational text. For example, users are prompted to list steps for exporting a basic map or downloading basemaps, reinforcing learning through application and repetition. These questions encourage active engagement rather than passive reading, ideal for both classroom and self-guided study.

A particular strength is the explanation of categorized symbology, a common challenge for ecologists who need to visualize complex survey data. Through the provided screenshots, the reader is taught how to add new fields, simplify attribute tables, and assign survey categories with customizable colors and symbols. The instructions are precise and result-oriented, making the process approachable for users who may not have strong technical backgrounds.

Throughout the examples, the language remains clear and professional, showing sensitivity to the likely mixed audience of scientists, students, and conservation workers. Options for data sources, connection protocols, and map coordinate systems are thoughtfully explained, covering both UK and regional needs.

“QGIS for Ecologists” is a well-organized manual that succeeds in making GIS tools accessible and relevant to ecological practitioners. The balanced use of screenshots, stepwise detail, and reflective questions helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, leaving readers empowered to create professional ecological maps and conduct spatial analysis independently.

Until next time,

Happy bat detecting! map making!

A Brand-New Bat Detector Is Coming Soon

A new and highly capable bat recorder is on the way, and it represents an exciting development for bat researchers and ecologists alike.

Details are still under wraps, but I can share that the device is a professional-grade system engineered to deliver exceptional audio quality right out of the box. It is a fully standalone, static recording unit designed for extended, unattended operation in the field—ideal for long-term ecological monitoring projects.

From what I’ve seen so far, the build quality and capabilities are impressive. I expect this new recorder will be very well received by ecologists around the world once it’s officially unveiled.

While I can’t share more just yet, I’m looking forward to providing updates as soon as information becomes available.

In the meantime, I’ll also be posting the long-delayed book reviews over the next few weeks—thank you for your patience.

Wishing everyone a successful bat call and data analysis season.

Happy bat detecting!

Update: The Blog has been behind schedule a bit...

An Update Post:

Very sorry to report that book reviews are still far behind schedule, due to ongoing medical issues.

I’m still looking forward to completing a review of this distinctive publication; and posting it up here. Thank you for your patience during this time.

• The upcoming book reviews will begin with a review of this unique book:

•  QGIS for Ecologists

Happy bat detecting!

Review: The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 from Wildlife Acoustics

The Song Meter Mini Bat from Wildlife Acoustics (USA) is The latest version of The Mini Bat 2, an unattended bat recorder.

The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 (AA) 

Packaging - included in the box, is everything you need:

• QR codes to Tutorial videos.
• Frequently asked questions.
• QR code / Links to free product training guides.
• Link to a full/detailed product user guide.

 

Some Basics:

• It’s the 2nd Generation Mini Bat.

• Same small size; with twice the battery life.

• Constructed of olive-coloured, IPX-7 Rated ABS.

• Rugged, and waterproof.

• Has a Humidity Regulation Packet + Moisture Vent.

Some of the features of the latest Version of The Mini Bat 2 are:

• Full Spectrum and/or Zero Crossing*

• Ultrasonic: 192kHz, 256kHz, 384kHz, and 500kHz.

• Acoustic: W/ Optional Microphone: 8kHz, 12kHz, 16kHz, 22.05kHz, 24kHz, 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz.

• Up to 50 10-Hour nights of recording.

Additional Specs of The Mini Bat 2 

• Size: 123mm x 134mm x 36mm (4.9” x 5.3” x 1.4”)

• Weight: 190 grams / 0.42 lb. / 290 g with batteries.

• Features 500kHz sampling, adjustable gain, SD Card size up to 1TB.

• Operating Temperature: -20℃ to 85℃ Or -4℉ to +185℉

 

Interior Design and Controls:

It comes equipped with a (built-in) omnidirectional ultrasonic microphone. It records 16-bit PCM .wav files - to a single, Micro SD card (of up to 2 terabytes). Sample rates available, range from 8kHz to 96kHz.

Is it easy to deploy? - Yes!

This unit features 3 Pre-Programmed Modes which many of us have come to appreciate:

• Record bats 24 hours a day (subject to triggering).

• Record bats from sunset to sunrise (subject to triggering).

• Record bats 30 min before sunset to 30 min after sunset (subject to triggering).

Some highlights from The User Guide:

• P. 17 How to insert batteries.

• P. 21 The LEDs and what the mean.

• P. 23 The 2nd Mic - Audible.

• P. 26 Deployment Checklist.

• P. 31…Unit Placement - Concise explanation.

• P. 33 Transect Mode + KML.

• P. 43 How to configure multiple units.

• P. 55 Settings: FS, ZC, ZC+FS

• P. 64 Sunrise and sunset.

• P. 69 Battery and SD card life.

• P. 81 Song Meter Configuration Editor.

• P. 91 Configuration Editor.

• P. 98 Schedule block elements.

• P. 110 GUANO Metadata.

• P. 113 Analyzing your recordings.

• P. 115 Troubleshooting.

What can it do? 

Record bats and other ultrasonic wildlife for up to 50 ten-hour nights. Add an optional stub mic to capture birds, amphibians, and other animals.

A low-noise mic picks up quiet, distant echolocations, while advanced triggering captures more bats and filters out false triggers.

The result? More bat calls, less time spent sorting unusable files.

The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 (AA) currently sells for $749 US Dollars.

It comes with one, built-in ultrasonic microphone. 

An optional Mic for audible sounds is available (purchased separately $75 US Dollars)

This unit would be excellent for anyone who needs a small, high-quality, static bat recorder.

Recording: Eptisicus fuscus (Big Brown Bat)

500kHz sample rate.

Recording: Lasiurus borealis (Eastern Red Bat)

500kHz sample rate.

Recording: Lasiurus cinereus (Hoary Bat)

500kHz sample rate.

Recording: Lasionycteris noctivagans (Silver-Haired Bat).

Cell phone interface display

Cell phone interface display - Configuration controls available

Pros:

• Easy to deploy.

• Packed with useful features.

• Professional-level recording quality.

• Optional (affordable) audio microphone extends it’s capabilities.

Cons:

• None.

Summary of features:

• Built-in low-noise mic captures high-fidelity bat calls

• Battery lasts up to 50 ten-hour nights

• Optional stub mic records birds, amphibians, and more*

• Free app programs: GPS, settings, and schedules via Bluetooth

• IP67-rated housing ensures all-weather durability

• Rear tripod mount for flexible placement

• Lockable, ergonomic design for security

• Compact and lightweight for easy transport

Until next time,

Happy bat detecting!

Review: The Hi-Sound Compact Parabolic Microphone from Dodotronic

A short review of The Hi-Sound Compact Parabolic Microphone from Dodotronic, Inc.

Neil Middleton (The BatAbility Club) carefully compared this unit from Dodotronic, with one of the "Gold Standards" of parabolic dish microphones: The Parabolic Dish from Telinga, Inc.!

The Telinga Dish (stock photo)

Unpacking the box:

Opening the case:

 

The case's protective foam is not permanently attached

The microphone weighs 300 grams

Current price, directly from Dodotronic, at the time of this writing is €248.00.

I recently had the pleasure of using the Hi-Sound Compact Parabolic Stereo Microphone from Dodotronic, and I must say, this compact device has quickly become an essential tool for my sound recording endeavors. 

Arriving directly from Italy, the packaging exuded quality and care, setting the tone for the product within.

Design and Build Quality:

The Hi-Sound Compact features a parabolic dish made of robust polycarbonate, ensuring durability while remaining lightweight at just 300 grams. With an outer diameter of 35 cm and a depth of 7 cm, this microphone is both compact and effective, making it perfect for fieldwork and outdoor settings. 

Its portability is enhanced by the included carry case, allowing for easy transport and storage.

Performance and Specifications:

One of the standout features of the Hi-Sound Compact is its capability to bring distant sounds closer. While shotgun microphones are a common choice among wildlife sound recordists, this parabolic microphone offers a flatter frequency response and a significant gain, making it ideal for various applications, including:

- Wildlife recording

- Sporting events

- Investigative work

- Industrial surveillance

With a sensitivity of -24dB and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 80dB, the Hi-Sound Compact excels in capturing nuanced sounds from 20Hz to 20kHz. 

My preliminary tests confirmed its ability to outperform traditional shotgun microphones, providing a clear and substantial increase in sound capture. 

I was particularly impressed with how it allowed me to record distant Red-shouldered Hawks during the day, which was a challenge with my previous setup.

User Experience:

The microphone operates on a simple 3V DC system and connects via a standard 3.5mm jack, making it compatible with many digital recorders and DSLR/video cameras. The included handle is a thoughtful touch, offering excellent stability without picking up minor hand movements during recording.

However, a few drawbacks should be noted. While the Hi-Sound Compact comes with a built-in mount for flash sockets, it lacks a tightening mechanism, making it prone to slipping if not handled carefully. Additionally, the microphone is not waterproof, which is an important consideration for longer-term outdoor setups. 

Though the product includes a short cable, I found it somewhat limiting, and the protective foam in the carry case tends to come loose. Lastly, the microphone does not lock securely into place on DSLR hot shoe mounts, which may pose a challenge during dynamic shoots. This was the case on the Canon DSLR I used.

Conclusion:

Overall, the Hi-Sound Compact Parabolic Stereo Microphone is an impressive and affordable option for sound recordists at a list price of 248 Euros. 

Its compact size, exceptional sound quality, and portability make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to capture high-quality audio from a distance. Just keep in mind its limitations regarding waterproofing and cable length.

For anyone serious about recording wildlife sounds or similar applications, I highly recommend downloading the free User Guide available on Dodotronic’s website for detailed specifications and tips on usage. 

With the Hi-Sound Compact, you’ll find yourself capturing sounds like never before!

Happy sound recording!

The Next Device For Testing & Review Is Here! The Hi-Sound Compact Parabolic Microphone from Dodotronic

As stated in a recent blog post, I was actively thinking about the next bat detector (or wildlife sound recorder) to review.

Well, I had parabolic dish microphones on my mind. So, the first company I reached out to – was Dodotronic. I remembered seeing some very interesting parabolic dish microphones on their website.

After reaching out to Ivano, at Dodotronic, it was decided that The Hi-Sound Compact would be the device to test & review.

It is a compact, and affordable parabolic dish microphone on the Dodotronic website.

The live webinar/presentation/review of this interesting bit of kit, will be viewable to members of the BatAbility Club; on July 8th.

I am happy to report, that Dodotronic shipped me a review sample straight away. And it arrived here in New York this afternoon!

The Hi-Sound Compact

I would also like to take this opportunity, to inform the reader that I will once again, be actively seeking a device to review, for the live webinar following this one. Which will take place approximately 2 months from now.

If you are a manufacturer of bat detectors, and would like to have your bat detector featured/reviewed during a live webinar for The BatAbility Club: Please contact me!

Happy bat detecting!

Book Review: 'Sound Identification of Terrestrial Mammals of Britain & Ireland'

'Sound Identification of Terrestrial Mammals of Britain & Ireland'

By Neil Middleton 

Stuart Newson 

Huma Pearce 

With photography by Sandra Graham

The following, is my "Cliff notes version", of the back cover of the book:

A volume covering 42 species of terrestrial mammal. From the red deer to the pygmy shrew, from the pine marten to the hedgehog. Treated as a single field of study... This volume covers survey methods, the analysis of sound recordings, as well as software. The book includes species in Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

This book contains almost 300 figures in total, each species covered in detail, along with specific spectrogram examples.

In addition, this book allows the reader to access a (downloadable) sound library, with more than 250 recordings. I won’t go into too much detail about it here, but I will say that I found it to be a very valuable resource.

The authors have extensive experience and expertise in bioacoustics, as well as in the sound identification of mammals. 

They are also heavily involved in creating tools that use machine learning algorithms to identify mammal species from their calls (quite fascinating).

The image on the front cover of the book, is of a Red Deer stag (Cervus elaphus) calling (by Philippe Clement) 

The book was published November 14th 2023. It is 392 pages in length, with 328 figures, 16 colour photos, 43 maps, and 98 tables.

It weighs 1150 grams.

It arrived promptly (to me in New York) and well packaged. 

Check out the Pelagic Publishing page on it.

Physically, it’s a beautiful hardcover book; featuring high quality paper. You’ll see what I mean when you get your copy…

It’s also available on The NHBS site:

Chapter 1 – Introduction & Context 

This first chapter helps to lay out what the scope of the book is. As well as:

The differences between audible and ultrasonic sound, examples of the estimated populations of both small and large terrestrial mammals in the British Isles, some of the things surveyors can expect to encounter, classifications/the various orders of mammals in Britain and Ireland, and what influenced the authors decisions in choosing what would be covered in the book.

It may seem a bit vague, but what struck me about this chapter, is simply how very well laid out and well written it was.

Chapter 2 – Survey Equipment & Field Techniques

One of my favorite chapters in the book, it deals with The technology employed when performing mammal surveys. As always, I’m very keen on discussions of various kit. This chapter provides the reader with an introduction to: Gathering, and interpreting acoustic data; it includes a very useful chart organizing terrestrial mammals by which are (predominantly) audible, or ultrasonic. It covers: an overview of frequency and amplitude in relation to distance, external influences on the distance at which sound may be heard or recorded, recording quality, signal-to-noise ratio, and survey equipment.

Also, some very useful info regarding: how to make the most of video recordings, as well as a valuable chart on estimated distance in meters, for the recording of animals in the family Muridae. In this case: various mice, voles, shrews, and rats. The authors touched on the most helpful information regarding microphones and their use, and related equipment.

Chapter 3 - Analysis of Acoustic Recordings

Topics covered include: The various software applications currently available, ultrasonic sound, frequency/time, sound analysis (obviously), sound versus noise, attenuation, measurements, as well as filters and classifiers.

There is also a table depicting sound component shapes encountered during call analysis – this will be a valuable resource for ecologists!

Chapter 4 - The authors provide an overview, of the six chapters which follow (chapters five through 10).

Chapter 5 – Even-toed Ungulates / dear species and wild boar

Chapter 6 – Carnivores / Wildcat, fox, badger, otter, stoked, as well as other mysteries

Chapter 7 – Lagomorphs / Rabbit and hare species

Chapter 8 – Rodents (large) / squirrel species, and beaver

Chapter 9 – Rodents (small) / rat, mouse, vole, and dormouse species

Chapter 10 – Insectivores / hedgehog, mole, and shrew species

Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter; since I’m very interested in moles and shrews. Unfortunately, hedgehogs are not native to the United States.

These six chapters did not disappoint! They were each filled with invaluable, modern-day resources on exactly what to expect, when targeting these various species for recording and sound analysis. 

Each chapter included:

• Wonderful tables, which could be understood at a glance.
• Screenshots of spectrograms created in Batsound software.
• QR codes relating to each species covered - they take you to the recorded sound files, and they work a treat!*
• Invaluable bits of information*

* I’m being intentionally vague here, so as not to give away too much!

This book contains such relevant and useful information on the species it covers – It would make a wonderful field guide. Unfortunately, I find it to be far too lovely of a book to think about taking into the field. So perhaps it would be better to refer to it, after a day or evening of recording in the field?

Appendix I - provides a neat glossary, which would be particularly useful to beginners in this field; as well as naturalists/hobbyists just starting out.

Appendix II - Provides data on fascinating case studies. Specifically, Dormice, Water Voles, Rats, and Shrews.

Things I liked:

• The fact that we wildlife sound recordists (both Pro & non-Pro) now have a handy reference for recording mammal sounds.
• The book is well laid out, well written, and full of invaluable resources.
• I like the way key points of interest, and useful data, are accessible at a glance.
• It's very thorough, sharing all the information I would want, regarding each species it covers.

Things I didn't like:

• I would have liked to see the technical/equipment details on which microphone & recorder was used, for many of the recordings. I say many of the recordings, because to have the gear details for all of the recordings wouldn't be practical.

First and foremost - This truly is a groundbreaking, and innovative book; being the first to tackle the splendid subject of: Recording the sounds of terrestrial mammals. It is for all intents and purposes the first, and only of its kind.

 

It may only cover (specific species of) Britain and Ireland...However, as many of us are aware: 

• Some of the species surveyed are located in other parts of the world.
• Most of the species recorded have similar (comparable) species, in other areas of the globe; ensuring that it will be useful to many.

There isn't much not to like about this book - It's certainly akin to a one-stop encyclopedia on recording terrestrial mammal sounds. 

In summary, if you work with terrestrial mammals – and most especially if it is in the British Isles or Ireland: then you simply must get a copy of this book!

Another interesting point, is that this book will be a very welcomed addition on the shelves of both professionals and hobbyists/naturalists. The excellent writing style, featured throughout - is both super-useful for an Ecologist; while being advantageous and easy to understand for a determined beginner. I say determined beginner, because it may be too technical for a complete novice.

I can't say it won't spark an interest in recording terrestrial mammals...

Note that Chapters 1 through 4 will definitely appeal to a large audience of readers. Nevertheless, right around the area of Chapter 5 and beyond, is where the book gets serious - Some might say more specifically technical.

All things considered, I can still affirm that the only prerequisite, is having an interest in the sounds which terrestrial mammals make. 

I'm confident in stating that folks such as myself, and the readers of this blog, will simply cherish this book. If you record the sounds of mammals, either as your vocation or avocation - It warrants looking into!

I hope to add some additional bits of information, reflections, thoughts and marginalia to this review going forward.

Until next time,

Happy bat detecting! Mammal recording!

A Post to Accompany Today's Live Webinar On The BatAbility Club

An Addendum Post - To Accompany Today's Live Webinar On BatAbility Club (on The Microscopy of Pond Water).

April 8th 2023

Below, are some of what I consider the “better” Links…

For some excellent examples of some of the things I wanted to show, visit this gentleman’s site. 

Micscape Magazine (microscopy-uk.org) is a virtual online “Headquarters” for all things microscope-related in The UK. It provides very well-organized resources for learning more about the world of microscopy - I can’t recommend it enough!

Here is a wonderful online document; which basically provides a concise education on microscopic organisms. Along with their place (and our place) in the grand scheme of things, all in just 31 pages!

Here's a Link with lots of great information available - Including a Microscopy Primer, the anatomy of a microscope, and other topics.

Even more detailed information, and especially brand/model-specific info, may be found at the major microscope manufacturers’ sites. They are: Olympus, Nikon, Zeiss, and Leica/Leitz. They’re often referred to as "The big four". 

A Link from Leica

A Link from Nikon.

A Link from Zeiss.

A Link from Olympus. 

Below are some direct links, to the various types of microscopes I discussed - From none other than one of my favourite online stores - NHBS! As I suppose is the case with many of you (Naturalists, Biologists, Scientists, et al) I feel like "a kid in a candy store" whenever I visit NHBS... Now, if someone would be kind enough to send me a Gift Certificate... 😁

Stereo Microscope:

Binocular Compound Microscope:

In an effort to demonstrate the variety of colours one may come across - Some pond water organisms I've recorded in years past - YouTube Videos:

Protist 1

Protist 2 

There are more! Located in a Playlist named 'Microscopy - Pond Water Samples'

The (free) User Manual for The Nikon Labophot microscope (the one I currently use).

A YouTube video discussing a DIY, cell phone-based solution, for those wanting to see fluorescence microscopy. It's a fairly recent video, posted only 4 months ago.

Now, if you've made it all the way through this post, to this point - You deserve to see the following incredible videos - You've "earned" it! 

Here's a link to a very comprehensive, but entertaining YouTube video, which basically goes through almost all of the microscopic creatures you'd encounter, while examining pond water samples.

It would take years of exploring, to see the diversity of creatures shown in this video. Not only are almost all of the most commonly encountered creatures covered; but they are shown using many different microscope techniques:

• Brightfield
• Polarization
• Phase Contrast
• Fluorescence
• DIC (Dual Interference Contrast) - An expensive technology!

I plan to add more excellent links to this post soon!

I'm very keen on Microscopy, and I have no shortage of things to share...

Until next time,

Happy bat detecting! Pond dipping!