The integration of molecular, geographic, environmental and socio-economic expertise, culture, language and analysis represented a real challenge to ECONOGENE participants. Tools have been developed to perform analysis in a Geographic Information System. Geographic level of data analysis was set at:
- the individual animal level, to describe geographic patterns of genetic variation and identify clines in allele and genotype frequencies;
- the farm level, to combine genetics, socio-economic data collected on farm and environmental variables, also collected on farm. A specific model for spatial analysis has been implemented at the farm level;
- the breed level. In this case the breed geographic location is represented by the centroid of the ECONOGENE sampling area for that specific breed. A specific model for spatial analysis has been implemented and used;
- The NUTS III level. NUTS III is a regional unit that has significance for territorial statistics for EU that in addition to breed priorities may also be interested in regional priorities.