Recent advances in computing power have coincided with advances in software, digital cameras, GPS accuracy, and development of a variety of other tools which can be used to both to collect and analyse data in unprecedented ways. These tools can generate new insights into ecology and behaviour of organisms, particularly with respect to elucidating broad-scale and long-term patterns and complex and/or cryptic systems. In this symposium we will present studies of a broad range of taxa which make use of new technology advance our understanding of biological systems. While we hope to share the advantages and limitations of a range of different techniques, we focus on new insights that can be gained through their employment.