BioMaps

BioMaps is a gateway to Australian biodiversity data held by Natural History Institutions. Through this site you can search biodiversity databases and compile maps showing the locations of collected and observed biodiversity specimens.1

Description

BioMaps is a portal to Australian biodiversity data held by government, and scientific organisations in Australia and around the world. It is based on a distributed data structure. This means BioMaps can use the data but the custodial institutions remain responsible for its creation, management and maintenance. 2

The four steps to create a BioMaps model3

BioMaps provides tools for accessing and analysing biodiversity data. It enables visualisation of data, and data analysis products, as a digital map.

BioMaps is being developed as a modular application with components being developed and released over a period of time. The first component is the mapping application which came online in September 2005. Subsequent components will include species mapping and survey planning applications. BioMaps will enable environmental and land planners to access tools for identifying Australian conservation priorities.

Currently BioMaps accesses fauna data from the Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums (OZCAM) network. This includes the Australian Museum, Museum of Victoria, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, South Australian Museum, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Australian National Wildlife Collection, and the Queensland Museum. Other institutions will be made accessible through BioMaps as it develops. By the end of June 2007 it will enable access to flora and fauna data from institutions in Australia and around the world.

The Australian Museum / Rio Tinto Partnership initiated the BioMaps project and provides funding for its development.4

Function

• Visualisation tools
  • Maps
• Analysis tools
  • Simple – distribution
• User interface
  • Personal use
  • Visual presentation

Why use this tool?

BioMaps will help identify places of biodiversity significance in Australia and be a guide to direct survey and conservation efforts.5

 Who will use this tool?

• Data users
  • Expert
  • Interest groups
• Special skills required

 How will the tool be used?

• BioMaps uses either the BIOCLIM or DOMAIN model6
• The models can be used with GIS
• Georeferenced species data is available
• Online application
• Browser required
• User input required

 Where in the data chain could this tool be used?

• User’s machine

 When could this tool be used?

• At the time of a user request

Availability

• BioMaps: http://www.biomaps.net.au/biomaps/
• Help: http://www.biomaps.net.au/biomaps/help.jsp
• Contact: Paul Flemons Paul.Flemons@austmus.gov.au

Comments

• See also review of BIOCLIM and DOMAIN

BioMaps is under active development. A more sophisticated version is currently under test with improved maps and a more functional user interface.