Data Sources & Limitations

Nature Tools uses public scientific, biodiversity, geospatial, and field-observation data where appropriate — with sources and limitations made visible.

Why sources matter

Field software should show where information comes from and what it can reasonably support. Nature Tools treats datasets as evidence and context, not as magic answers.

Common source categories

• Biodiversity observations and taxonomic records, including iNaturalist, eBird, and GBIF where applicable.
• Geology, fossils, terrain, hazards, hydrology, and paleogeography sources used by Bedrock and Glacial Lake Missoula Simulator.
• Geospatial and place datasets such as protected areas, watersheds, ecoregions, land status, elevation, and weather or sky-context services.
• User-provided records, photos, coordinates, routes, files, and account connections when a product requires them.

Limitations

Coverage varies by region, taxon, season, source quality, observer effort, and update cycle. Nature Tools products are interpretation and field-support tools. They are not regulatory authorities, hazard assessments, navigation systems, legal land-management guidance, or replacements for expert review.