Re: NBN Gateway Version 4.0 released
GATEWAY VERSION 4.0
Release date: April 2011
NBN GATEWAY
Improved interactive mapping
This new mapping tool, based on Microsoft's Bing maps, provides a new way of exploring records through the NBN Gateway. Records can be visualised against a backdrop of road maps and aerial photographs, as well as site and habitat boundaries. The interactive map provides five main ways of exploring data enhancing the NBN Gateway’s current mapping facilites.
The release of the interactive map is part of ongoing development of exploration tools on the NBN Gateway and we would be interested to hear your comments and suggestions for future improvements in this mapping tool. Please add your suggestions to this forum post.
1. Single dataset density mapping
For the first time the new mapping tool allows direct exploration of over 550 datasets provided by 130 organisations. Species density mapping per recorded grid square allows a visual representation of species recording within a single dataset. This may be further refined by applying a year filter and clicking on an individual grid square to show recorded species and records. This visualisation of the species and records is based on the access granted by the providing organisation.
2. Species designation density mapping
Species designation lists provided through the NBN Gateway can now be visualised as a species density map per recorded grid square for all or specific contributing datasets. Similar to the mapping of single datasets, further refinement is available through filtering by year range or individual grid square, based on the access granted by these contributing organisations.
3. Single species mapping
The new interactive mapping tool extends the possible ways of exploring the 64 million records, for 42,500 species, provided through the NBN Gateway. The facilities provided by the current grid map and interactive mapping tool are still available, the new interactive mapper provides a new way of exploring the records. Visualisation of the species records with this new tool may be restricted to a specific year group, dataset(s) or resolution. Further details of the records and species recorded in individual grid squares can be viewed by clicking on the specific square. These record details are only available if download access has been granted by the respective contributing organisations.
4. Display of site boundaries
Records for single datasets, designated lists or species can be viewed alongside more than 16,500 sites provided by 18 organisations. List of species and records within and intersecting these sites can be viewed through the site report for each site, accessible through clicking on the required site.
5. Display of habitat layers
National BAP habitat layers, currently provided by Natural England and Countryside Council for Wales, may be also viewed on the interactive map. Further information supplied with each polygon can be viewed through clicking the specific polygon.
How do I use the new interactive mapping tool?
The interactive mapper can be accessed by clicking the map on the homepage or links present in the species search, dataset or designation pages. To map species records click on the species selector and then select the type of map you require. (single species, dataset or designated list). For species and designated lists a list of datasets contributing records is provided allowing restriction to specific datasets. An Info link is provided giving access to the metadata pages for each dataset. Information on the access you have to these datasets, as well as ones not selected or available, can be found by clicking on the Show Datasets Used button. Links to the organisation and dataset metadata pages from this dataset form provide the route for requesting better access to datasets.
Using the controls in the top left hand corner of the screen zooming in on the map provides visualisation of higher resolution records. These higher resolution records are only visible if you have sufficient access. Clicking on the starred circle button to the right of the species form provides further controls. These allow filtering on year group and fixing the resolution of grid squares. Left clicking on a grid square provides further information on the records within that square. This includes the dataset and organisation providing the data, list of species recorded in that square, with links to the taxonomic information for each species and details of records. These record details are available to users with download privilege for that particular dataset.
In addition to mapping species records you can map site boundaries or habitats by clicking on the Choose Boundary or Habitat respectively. Left clicking on a site provides a link to its site report page on the NBN Gateway. Left clicking on a habitat polygon provides further information for that specific polygon.
Further control on the display of the species, site or habitat layers on the map is available. Reordering these three layers in the layer control controls the ordering of the layers on the map. Layers visibility may be turned on or off or opacity changed through the controls available on clicking the starred circle button for the specific layer. Each layer also has a clear layer button to remove the layer from the map.