Missouri Botanical Garden Open Conference Systems, TDWG 2014 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

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Biodiversity documentation with global sharing standards
Sunil Thorat

Last modified: 2014-09-28

Abstract


Undertaking biodiversity inventories are rather easy compared to maintenance of data with respect to taxonomical updates, linkages with other repositories, application of advanced tools and finally the publishing the data.  Similar to understanding complexity of biodiversity by a biological researcher, a data manager too has to sharpen his skills for uploading the data into his database. Focus still remains on the authenticity of the data from the increasing amount of literature sources – a so-called secondary resource, where a decisive approach is required for justifying the upcoming information. Most data managers have adopted modern tools like Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (RS & GIS) for gathering, modeling and analyzing the spatial data at various scales from satellite data. This huge georeferenced data repository helps conservationists and policy makers to apply principles for sustainable utilization of biodiversity on Earth. With the advancements in modern techniques, an efficient linkage through global networks has transformed biodiversity informatics through the Internet. Though it emerged decades back, its utility is coming to fruition with the use of Web GIS techniques supported with advanced cloud computing; where the open access to users and administrators has made the data user interface much easier and useful.  A mobile application comprising biodiversity data with quick access to authorized experts through active blogs/groups for species validation shall make biodiversity documentation more effective and the biodiverse globe can be accessible by any individual on the Earth.