Lifemapper
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Distribution map and occurrence data for the western meadowlark. |
Lifemapper is dedicated to assembling a comprehensive archive of species distribution maps. The Lifemapper infrastructure creates GARP distribution maps and provides those maps to users through the Lifemapper web site (www.lifemapper.org). You can think of Lifemapper as an automated equivalent to BRC’s DesktopGarp application.
GARP is an algorithm that uses natural history collection records and environmental data to produce predictive models showing where a given species is likely to live. The GARP algorithm is complex and typically requires 500-1000 analysis cycles to produce the final model. Multiply 1000 analysis cycles times the many thousands of plant and animal species in the continental United States, and you’ll see that the bottleneck for this important research is the shortage of processor space for performing GARP computations.
The Lifemapper web site offers several options for how a visitor can access archived Lifemapper distribution data. The Species Search Form lets you interactively specify the common name or taxon and generates maps for all species matching the search request. Lifemapper also provides three web services that let users integrate Lifemapper data with other programs:
- QueryTaxa Service—a web service equivalent to the Species Search form—outputs the data providers, number of locality points, and number of models computed for a specific taxon.
- Web Mapping Service—generates a Lifemapper map as a gif image file.
- QueryByLocation Service—outputs all species that are predicted to be present at a specified location.
Lifemapper’s automated GARP analysis is based on collection location data obtained through the global community of DiGIR networks. The accuracy of the Lifemapper map depends upon the completeness of the data sample available through DiGIR. Formal scientific studies often require more oversight of input data than Lifemapper provides. If you wish to include GARP analysis in a formal research setting, use DesktopGarp.