NatGRID is an acronym that stands for National Geo-Referenced Information for Decision-makers. The aim is to provide national information on the spatial distribution of certain key environmental and ecological characteristics of Canada's forests.

The NatGRID idea was first identified at the Global to Local Ecological Land Classification conference in Thunder Bay in August 1994 (McKenney et al. 1996).

In its simplest form, NatGRID is a computer-based spatial modelling and information framework built around the following concepts:

1. Spatially distributed data sets of the primary environmental drivers eg. climate and topography of Canada's forests, plus access to primary biological field survey data across the country

2. Multi-scaled modeling of species distributions, abundance and productivity based on collated primary biological field survey data gathered from partners across the country.

These products and tools will help the CFS meet its commitments in a wide range of areas and include generating indicators of sustainable development, and providing spatial data and information related to biodiversity, forest health and climate change issues.

Reference: McKenney, D.W., Mackey, B.G., Sims, R.A. 1996. Primary databases for forest ecosystem management - examples from Ontario and possibilities for Canada: NatGRID. Environmental Assessment and Monitoring, 39: 399-415.