Georeferencing Natural History Collections Botany2014: Difference between revisions

The digitization of biological specimens is transforming natural history collections for an array of novel research applications, permitting the utilization of large-scale data sets from the comfort of one’s own desk.  Studies using digitized data include niche modeling, phylogeography, range/distribution investigations, and conservation and biodiversity management, to name just a few.  All of these uses require dependable occurrence records for each specimen’s original location.  For most specimens in natural history collections, locality data are represented by text.  However, to be maximally useful, locality information should be presented as geographic coordinates.  Georeferencing – the assignment of geographic coordinates to locality data – allows collection events to be displayed on digital maps and used in applications to visualize the spatial and temporal intensity of scientific collecting activity, examine species distributions, develop ecological niche models, and address a range of scientific and societal needs such as conservation, ecological restoration, and preparation for global change. This one-day workshop will introduce its participants through a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises to the fundamental background, techniques, and best practices of georeferencing of biological specimens.  While no background in georeferencing is required, participants will need to bring their own laptops for the hands-on exercises.