Scientific production

Natural and Scientific Heritage Researched by IUCA Members

This interactive map brings together, for the first time, the locations and origins of the samples studied by IUCA researchers throughout 2024. It georeferences more than 1,075 points of scientific interest, derived from 171 articlespublished in peer-reviewed journals, ranging from field-collected samples to local, regional and global study areas.

The tool provides an immediate overview of where IUCA conducts research, the topics it addresses, and how its scientific activity is distributed across Aragón, Spain and the rest of the world. Each point on the map links directly to the corresponding scientific publication, providing open access to high-quality information and helping users better understand the scope and impact of environmental research.

This viewer has been developed using BeMaps, a mapping platform created by research groups at the University of Zaragoza, and forms part of IUCA’s commitment to making scientific communication more accessible, visual and closely connected to the territory.

Explore the map, zoom in on places you know, and discover the science that has been generated around you over the past year.

Quick User Guide

1. Navigate the map

Move freely around the map as you would with any digital mapping application. Zoom into Aragón, Spain, or any region of the world to discover IUCA research locations.

2. Click on a point

Selecting a point opens an information panel containing the key details of the study together with a direct link to the scientific publication.

3. Use the search tool

If you are looking for something specific, simply type keywords such as “Pyrenees,” “water,” “Brazil,” an author’s surname, or any other keyword. The map will display the relevant results immediately.

4. Turn layers on or off

You can customise the display by showing only global studies, specific thematic areas, or other available layers through the layer menu.

5. Explore for curiosity or professional purposes

The map can help you:

  • Discover research carried out near your town or city.
  • Learn about IUCA’s main research lines.
  • Identify opportunities for scientific collaboration.
  • Access scientific publications quickly.
  • Use the platform as an educational or science communication resource.

6. Share your discoveries

If you find something interesting, simply copy the map link or take a screenshot. The platform has been designed to encourage sharing and foster conversations about science.

Map Features

The viewer has been designed to be simple, intuitive and easy to navigate, even for users with no previous experience in digital cartography.

🔎 Navigation Controls

  • Zoom In / Zoom Out: enlarge or reduce the map view.
  • Area Zoom: select a specific area to zoom into.
  • Home: return to the initial map view.

🗂 Layers

Research is organised into layers according to its geographical scope:

  • Local studies (marker icon)
  • Regional studies (magnifying glass icon)
  • Global studies (globe icon)

Each layer can be activated or hidden independently.

🧭 Search

Search by:

  • Keywords
  • Authors
  • Research groups
  • Locations

Results are displayed both on the map and in a searchable list.

🎨 Legend

Each point is colour-coded according to one of IUCA’s five strategic research areas, making it easy to identify the subject of each study at a glance.

ℹ️ Information Panel

Clicking on any map point opens an information panel containing:

  • Plain-language description of the research
  • Direct link to the original scientific publication
  • Research area
  • Research group
  • Study location
  • Total number of locations associated with the article
  • Territorial scope
  • Main Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)

For further information about IUCA’s scientific activity, please consult the Annual Activity Reports.