Supporting Red List threat assessments with GeoCAT: geospatial conservation assessment tool

By

Bachman, Steven
Moat, Justin
Hill, Andrew
Torre, Javier de la.
Scott, Ben

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2011

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

150

Pages

117-126

Subjects

AJAX , Biodiversity , Conservation , Flickr , GBIF , geospatial , Google maps , HTML5 , IUCN , JSON , mapping , Open Source , red list

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.150.2109

 

Abstract

GeoCAT is an open source, browser based tool that performs rapid geospatial analysis to ease the process of Red Listing taxa. Developed to utilise spatially referenced primary occurrence data, the analysis focuses on two aspects of the geographic range of a taxon: the extent of occurrence (EOO) and the area of occupancy (AOO). These metrics form part of the IUCN Red List categories and criteria and have often proved challenging to obtain in an accurate, consistent and repeatable way. Within a familiar Google Maps environment, GeoCAT users can quickly and easily combine data from multiple sources such as GBIF, Flickr and Scratchpads as well as user generated occurrence data. Analysis is done with the click of a button and is visualised instantly, providing an indication of the Red List threat rating, subject to meeting the full requirements of the criteria. Outputs including the results, data and parameters used for analysis are stored in a GeoCAT file that can be easily reloaded or shared with collaborators. GeoCAT is a first step toward automating the data handling process of Red List assessing and provides a valuable hub from which further developments and enhancements can be spawned.