SCIMAP does not try to make quantitative predictions in real world units (e.g. mg l-1) but rather works in relative terms across the landscape and identifies the most probable sources of the observed problem.

SCIMAP is based on the identification of locations of critical source areas within the landscape. These areas are where there is a source of a problem (fine sediment for example) and a connection from the source location to the river or lake. The locations of the source areas and connection are calculated from a detailed digital elevation model, land cover and rainfall information.

For the desktop version of the software, some GIS knowledge is required to handle the spatial data. The web-based version will require less GIS knowledge and integrates with Google Earth for visualization of the results.

The software is free to use for non-commercial use (i.e. when you are not charging someone else to use the software). Commercial licenses are available from Durham University. The required data needs to be purchased separately.

All of the information required to use SCIMAP, including a series of tutorial videos, conference presentations and all of the original scientific research papers can be found on the SCIMAP website.