BioGIS: A Web-Based Environment for Analyzing, Modeling and Visualizing Biodiversity Data
Kadmon, Ronen. Department of Evolution, Systematics and Ecology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat-Ram, 91904, Jerusalem, Israel[Computer demonstration]
BioGIS is a web-based, biodiversity information system that provides interactive, user-friendly tools for querying, analyzing, modeling and visualizing biodiversity data. A unique feature of BioGIS is the full integration of specimen-level information (e.g. collector name, collection date), species-level information (e.g. taxonomical and phylogenetic data, conservational status), and environmental data (e.g., climate, soils, lithology) in a unified GIS environment, which is completely and readily accessible through the Internet. A variety of query tools allow the user to easilly select, analyze and visualize species records based on specimen-level, species-level, and/or GIS attributes. Further interactive map tools enable the user to zoom in and digitize any area of interest on the map (e.g., a buffer zone around a road) and then perform queries related to the selected area. Another feature of BioGIS is the ability to produce and analyze predictive maps of species distribution using ecological niche models based on user-specified variables. The first version of BioGIS was implemented in Israel as a prototype for a National Biodiversity Information System (www.biogis.huji.ac.il). This system will be developed as a long-term, dynamic database, and will reflect the current state of knowledge on the distribution of plant and animal species in Israel. Web services providing 'BioGIS like' functionality are planned to be developed within the framework of the European Network of Biodiversity Information (ENBI).