Using the extended quarter degree grid cell system to unify mapping and sharing of biodiversity data

Abstract

Information on the distribution of animal populations is essential for conservation planning and management. Unfortunately, shared coordinate-level data may have the potential to compromise sensitive species and generalized data are often shared instead to facilitate knowledge discovery and communication regarding species distributions. Sharing of generalized data is, unfortunately, often ad hoc and lacks scalable conventions that permit consistent sharing at larger scales and varying resolutions. One common convention in African applications is the Quarter Degree Grid Cells (QDGC) system. However, the current standard does not support unique references across the Equator and Prime Meridian. We present a method for extending QDGC nomenclature to support unique references at a continental scale for Africa. The extended QDGC provides an instrument for sharing generalized biodiversity data where laws, regulations or other formal considerations prevent or prohibit distribution of coordinate-level information. We recommend how the extended QDGC may be used as a standard, scalable solution for exchange of biodiversity information through development of tools for the conversion and presentation of multi-scale data at a variety of resolutions. In doing so, the extended QDGC represents an important alternative to existing approaches for generalized mapping and can help planners and researchers address conservation issues more efficiently.

Diversity and biogeographical patterns of legumes (Leguminosae) indigenous to southern Africa

“…comm). It is noteworthy that an extended QDGC standard has been proposed (Larsen et al 2009) for mapping biodiversity data across the African continent and as an instrument for sharing biodiversity data where laws, regulations or other formal considerations prevent or prohibit distribution of coordinate-level information. The edited Leguminosae PRECIS data resulted in discarding 19% of the records mainly due to incomplete taxa (only genera, missing subspecies or varieties) and QDGC references resulting in the 27,322 records used.…”

“…Sampling efforts may not be consistent, with some (QDGCs)quarter degree grid cells sampled excessively owing to geographical bias (along main roads or in a nature reserve), taxonomic bias (species that are easy to collect or more conspicuous) and temporal bias (collected in one season). QDGCs have historically been used in many African countries for mapping biodiversity data (Larsen et al 2009). Other weaknesses include: 1) incorrect identification of specimens; 2) outdated taxonomy and 3) incorrect geo-referencing (Soberón and Peterson 2004).…”

Functional differences between native and alien species: a global‐scale comparison

“…climates, overall soil type, vegetation physiognomy), despite some clearly being heterogeneous (e.g. small scale disturbance); (iii) It is the area of preference for storing, evaluating and reporting information on the distribution of native and alien species (Larsen et al. 2009).…”

Geographic sampling bias in the South African Frog Atlas Project: implications for conservation planning

“…Previous atlas projects in the southern African region have been extensively used in conservation planning exercises (Van Jaarsveld et al 1998b;Larsen et al 2009b), despite limitations of resolution, taxonomy, geographic coverage and bias. Indeed, conservation planning has been one of the major uses of the pioneering South African Bird Atlas Project, completed in 1997 (Dunn and Weston 2008;Harrison et al 2008).…”