New tools for fauna and flora studies

Since we began our journey carrying out studies of fauna and flora, biodiversity in general, we have made great progress in managing cartography. Instruments for spatial orientation (GPS, App, mobile phones, tablets,...) and representation, such as Geographic Information Systems, have been and are fundamental tools for conservation, and therefore for our work.

In recent times, we have been taking new steps when it comes to technology. We are gradually abandoning the classic paper templates and field forms (although in many cases they are the most convenient and efficient). We want to give the opportunity to new technologies based on mobile devices. These new tools allow us to geolocate with great precision the information we observe in the field. In this way, we acquire geolocated data in real time and record it in cloud databases.

Given the sensitivity of many of the data we obtain, “our cloud” is our own and personalized and without free access, however, there are many platforms based on the concept of citizen science which make it possible to transfer biodiversity data to any amateur or naturalist. We show you the ones we like the most, so that you too can be a scientific citizen.

Open Data Kit

One of the most widespread, Open Data Kit is a set of free and open source tools that allow us to create, deploy and manage mobile data. To do this, the tool allows us to create a form for collecting data using a mobile device and then sending it to the server.

EpiCollect

Created by a team of scientists from Imperial College London, EpiCollect also combines Android, GPS and Google Maps. It allows researchers to exchange field information such as photographic (or video) records of flora and fauna species.

Virtual Biodiversity

Virtual Biodiversity is a scientific and informative platform based on cooperative work and citizen participation. It consists of twelve thematic galleries of geolocated digital photographs that make up a taxonomically ordered database. Virtual Biodiversity is managed by the non-profit association Photography and Biodiversity.

Global Biodiversity Information Infrastructure (GBIF)

The Global Biodiversity Information Infrastructure (GBIF) is an organization that brings together 53 countries and 43 international organizations. GBIF is structured as a network of national nodes with an international secretariat in Copenhagen. The objective of GBIF is to provide access (online and freely and free of charge) to biodiversity data from around the world to support scientific research, promote biological conservation and promote sustainable development.

MOL, Map of Life

It is a tool that provides users with general information about fauna and flora. Its objective is to support effective and global biodiversity education, surveillance, research and decision-making by assembling and integrating a wide range of knowledge about the distribution of species and their dynamics over time.

Map of Life brings together and integrates different sources of data that describe the distribution of species around the world. This data includes maps from species experts, species observation points, ecological regions and protected areas from suppliers such as IUCN.

Encyclopedia of Life

With a different concept than the previous ones, the Encyclopedia of Life brings together information about all life on Earth, a website for each species. -It's a resource for uploading text, images, videos, sounds, maps, classifications, and more, all available online for free. Users create collections, create and join communities, and share their images of species.

You already have tools to go to the mobile field in hand and contribute your discoveries to science.

Cover photo: Pixabay