Biodiversity Mapping for Geospatial Data
Visual, Interactive & Informative
What is SilverMapper?
SilverMapper is a web application to visually interact with geospatial collection(s) or observation data from one or many different sources. SilverMapper is developed by SilverBiology in partnership with the University of Washington Herbarium at the Burke Museum (http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum). Funding for this project came from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Central Puget Sound Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society, a research grant from the Washington Native Plant Society,the Society for Ecological Restoration Pacific Northwest Chapter, and Friends of the Herbarium. This is an open-source project called SilverMapper on Google Code and can be used under the GPL License v3.
Washington Weeds Mapping Tool
The Washington Weeds mapping tool provides users with access to specimen and/or observation records for noxious weeds, invasive plant species, and all other non-native plants that have been reported from Washington. Though Washington is the geographic focus of the site, specimen-based records from the University of Washington Herbarium (WTU; http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/collections/vascular/search.php) are from throughout the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Washington, British Columbia, Yukon Territory, and Alaska).
Observation data contributors to date include King County Noxious Weed Board, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, and The Nature Conservancy. The highest priority moving forward is to acquire additional observation records from resources around Washington.
Features of SilverMapper
Controls
Map Controls - This software uses the google map controls. To zoom in and out of the map you have two options of using the zoom bar on the left, using the scroll wheel on your mouse or double clicking on the map where there is not an icon. To pan the map left click and drag the mouse in the direction you wish to move the map. There is a zoom icon located next to the zoom controls. By clicking this once will allow you to highlight a portion of the map you would like to zoom to.
Markers / Icons - Each marker represents either a single record or a cluster of records. Clicking once will select that record and show you more information about it. If it is a cluster you are allowed to double click and view the records associated with this cluster. Note: The map will be disabled until you return from the record set.
Timeline - This control is used to show the quantity of records by year. On the left and right hand side of the lower timeline are grips that will allow you to shorten and extend the date range dynamically. Note: When you move the map the timeline will reset to the maximum range of records.
RecordsEach row represents either a record or a cluster of records. Records that are clusters are marked with a line and the quantity of records in the cluster. To view the individual records double click on the row. DetailsThis panel shows the details of the associated selected record.
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Data SourcesEach data source represents a different set of data and information. To find out details about a layer left click on the layer text.
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SearchSearch filters are used to look at smaller sets of information. Each filter will auto complete if you type 2 or more characters in the box. To remove the filters you click on the "X" icon to the right of the filter or the "Reset Filters" at the bottom to remove all the filters at once.
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SilverMapper vs. Other Mapping Tools
For those who are new to Google Map mashups of biodiversity data we are happy to make you aware of other projects similar to this project.
- BerkeleyMapper - BerkeleyMapper displays point distribution maps from distributed sources. BerkeleyMapper was created and built using natural history museum specimen locations but is adaptable for mapping any collection of points. BerkeleyMapper is a collection of scripts and services bundled to provide integrated mapping functions using Google Maps, Terraserver, and open source mapping software components.
- BiodiversityAtlas - Biodiversity Atlas project aims to create an application to browse and contribute species distribution maps.
SilverMapper has been a sponsored project and we will continue to expand upon the current features if we are able to find funding. Please contact us with any questions and we will try to do what we can. You may also want to check out the actual project for more technical documents and faq's.
Additional Collections Using SilverMapper
LSU Herbarium Geospatial Specimens
The LSU Herbarium Geospatial Data provides users with access to specimen records for approximately 12,000 native and non-native plants that have been reported from Louisiana. Though Louisiana is the geographic focus of the site, specimen-based records from the Louisiana State University Herbarium (LSU; http://www.herbarium.lsu.edu/plants) are from throughout the southeast.
Biodiversity Collection Index
This example is a visual representation of all the biodiversity collections in the world. So if you would like to see all the herbarium collections in France, or possibly all the collections that have more then a million specimens you might be interested in this example. This data source is directly based on the data from the Biodiversity Collection Index (BCI) and all geospatial data is estimated from the Google Maps reverse geocoding service to establish a latitude and longitude.
You can read more about this lab project on our blog.
VISIT the Visual Biodiversity Collection Index