The Natural Assets Information System™ (NAIS) is a framework for quantifying, modeling, and mapping the non-market value of ecosystem services. It combines a sophisticated relational database, populated with results from the most cutting edge research, with digital mapping tools and a set of interfaces that can be customized for each user's needs.

At the core of NAIS is a database summarizing hundreds of peer-reviewed studies using ecological and economic methods to estimate economic values for services associated with environmental resource types, such as wetlands, forests, grasslands, or urban green space. In our database value estimates are coded by ecosystem service and environmental resource type, as well as by geographic region, valuation methodology used, and year. Where primary valuation estimates are not available for a project site, we use the "value transfer" methodology, in which the database is queried for relevant valuation estimates from similar contexts. These values are then "transferred" from the study site to the project site. 

In most cases project sites are large and heterogeneous, containing diverse land cover types and environmental resources. For this reason, NAIS is spatially explicit and can track value estimates associated with any number of land cover types across multiple locations. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, NAIS creates digital maps that classifying land areas based on their differences in ecosystem service provision. These classes are then linked to valuation estimates from the database, allowing for the creation of maps showing the distribution of valuation estimates.

Given the great degree of variability in client needs and applications, we offer a number of customizable features and value-added services, such as scenario analysis, data mining, and spatial data development.

Click above for a flowchart of the Natural Assets™ Information System