The upcoming hands-on demonstration at BioSpace will showcase the Global Ecosystems Atlas, an innovative platform designed to map and monitor the world's ecosystems. This session will introduce participants to the platform's current capabilities, offer insights into its development, and provide a glimpse into its future functionalities.
Overview of the Global Ecosystems Atlas
The Global Ecosystems Atlas is a comprehensive, harmonized, open resource that provides detailed information on the extent of ecosystem distribution worldwide. It will combine existing high-quality ecosystem maps with new data generated through advanced Earth observation technologies, artificial intelligence, field data, and local expertise. The Atlas is designed to support a wide range of users, including policymakers, researchers, conservationists, and the general public, by offering accessible and actionable spatial data about ecosystems.
Current Capabilities to Explore:
1. Discovery of ecosystem distribution and diversity:
Discover how to navigate the Atlas’s interface to explore ecosystems across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine realms. Learn to zoom into specific regions, and visualize ecosystem classifications informed by the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology.
2. Integrated Data Sources:
Understand the diverse datasets feeding into the proof-of-concept Atlas platform, including the 45 national, subregional, regional and global datasets. The demonstration will cover how these data sources are harmonized to ensure quality and consistency.
3. Use Cases and Applications:
See practical examples of how harmonised ecosystem data is supporting cross-boarder conservation planning and environmental management. Case studies will illustrate its role in ongoing pilot projects, such as national mapping initiatives in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Participants will have the chance to engage directly with the Atlas, explore regions of interest, and provide feedback. This is a unique opportunity to understand both the current capabilities and the exciting roadmap ahead for the Global Ecosystems Atlas.
