Known unknowns, Google Earth, plate tectonics and Mt Bellenden Ker: some thoughts on locality data

By

Mesibov, Robert

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2012

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

247

Pages

61-67

Subjects

georeferencing , latitude/longitude , spatial data

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.247.4195

 

Abstract

Latitude/longitude data in locality records should be published with spatial uncertainties, datum(s) used and indications of how the data were obtained. Google Earth can be used to locate sampling sites, but the underlying georegistration of the satellite image should be checked. The little-known relabelling of a set of landmarks on Mt Bellenden Ker, a scientifically important collecting locality in tropical north Queensland, Australia, is documented as an example of the importance of checking records not accompanied by appropriately accurate latitude/longitude data.