• MountainBiodiversity.org

    GMBA, GBIF

    Challengue The Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment project needed a tool to help scientist download biodiversity data for mountains. The first challenge was the definition of a mountain, everybody understands a different thing! Secondly the massive amount of data in GBIF needed to be filtered for this thematic project and allow the quick download of big CSV files. We wanted to let scientist define the boundaries they are interested in, by filtering the raster information on environmental variables, plus providing an easy way to select taxa and download big amounts of data.

    Solution We developed a new technology to allow filtering of environmental data, like vegetation types, on the client. By using latest technology, Pixel Bender, we were managed to develop a solution where scientist can literally move and slider an immediately get feedback visual and in data, on how biodiversity data they are gathering. On the server side the use of PostgreSQL made possible the use of multi index queries on large datasets. The data sent from the server to the client for filtering the environmetal variables, are transported as "raster data tiles". Those tiles are pre-rendered using another Java component we had to develop and that takes care of interpolation of data at different scales, etc.

    Highlights & technologies The result is an astonishing application with a beautiful map where scientist can better define the filters they are interested in when gathering biodiversity data. Giving immediate visual feedback when selecting the boundaries, we engage them to better refine their filter criteria. Is it biodiversity so different at 999m. or 1001m? You can just see it immediately!

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    MountainBiodiversity.org