mapmixture: An R package and web app for spatial visualisation of admixture and population structure

Area of Science:

• Population genetics
• Bioinformatics
• Computational ecology

Background:

• Understanding population structure and admixture is crucial in molecular ecology.
• Visualizing genetic data in geographic space aids in interpreting evolutionary processes and conservation needs.
• Existing methods may not effectively integrate spatial and genetic information for broader audiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce mapmixture, an R package and web application for visualizing admixture and population structure in geographic space.
• To provide molecular ecologists, population geneticists, and phylogeneticists with a tool to map genetic ancestry or assignment results.
• To enhance the interpretation of genetic-geographic patterns and improve science communication in conservation management.

Main Methods:

• mapmixture accepts standard admixture analysis output data.
• It visualizes genetic cluster proportions per site using interactive, projected maps with optional pie charts.
• The approach complements individual-based admixture barplots for enhanced pattern interpretation.

Main Results:

• mapmixture facilitates the plotting of admixture and ancestry data onto geographic maps.
• The tool generates clear visualizations of genetic cluster proportions at specific locations.
• Integration with individual-based plots enhances the understanding of spatial genetic patterns.

Conclusions:

• mapmixture offers an effective solution for visualizing spatial genetic data.
• The package and app improve the interpretation and communication of population structure and admixture.
• This tool supports evidence-based conservation management by clarifying genetic-geographic relationships.