Map of the Month

About Map of the Month

Following a pilot in 2024, the Map of the Month initiative returns in 2026 with six maps that will change the way you look at biodiversity in cities – aiming to challenge misconceptions about biodiversity in cities and highlight how hidden nature improves daily lives.

Using interdisciplinary science, data visualisations and storytelling, the team will design and publish a series of interactive maps of Melbourne, revealing the hidden dimension of biodiversity in urban areas. Themes include everyday ways to support native pollinators, the secret lives of urban mammals, historic trees as witness to change, fear and fascination of venomous neighbours, hidden delight of overlooked landscapes, and how communities can contribute to biodiversity knowledge through citizen science.

Topics were decided through a series of workshops hosted by the Urban Biodiversity Research Cluster within the Melbourne Centre for Cities based on novelty, value and potential impact to policy and practice, and availability of suitable data. The University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Data Analytics Platform and Pursuit teams have provided expertise in data analytics, visualisation research design, and dedicated infrastructure support, along with the creation of accessible, engaging digital narratives to engage the public, policy makers and practitioners.

By making complicated environmental issues accessible, the collaboration will help shift public perceptions to recognise cities as biodiversity habitats and enhance community engagement in conservation and environmental sustainability. The maps will also provide policy makers with access to science-informed information needed to drive policy change.

Map of the Month Pilot

In 2024 the Map of the Month pilot delivered a series of seven monthly maps exploring key issues across Greater Melbourne. Each map combined data, science communication, and convening support for the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation (LMCF), helping turn evidence into action.

Drawing on international models and earlier scoping work completed by the Centre for LMCF, the project connected directly with the themes of the Foundation’s Non-Profit Impact Hub. By visualising data and sparking science–policy conversations, the maps highlighted how social and environmental issues play out across our metropolitan region, making challenges and opportunities more tangible.

This pilot was delivered in with AURIN, Melbourne Data Analytics Platform and Pursuit, with support by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and in partnership with the Victorian Office for Suburban Development and the Municipal Association of Victoria.