Joomla Solutions Template

VIBIGIS (Visual Biodiversity Geographical Information System) is developed as a web based solution for both open and closed network. It serves as an online access to view, deposit and curate biodiversity data. Accessibility can be achieved by any computers with a web browser and an Internet connection.

WHY GIS?

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is an efficient method to handle, evaluate and display spatial data. To achieve this, Autodesk Mapguide (http://mapguide.osgeo.org/) was used. It is the same engine that powers G4NRE application developed by JUPEM’s MaCGDI. Biodiversity data from multiple sources can then be swiftly overlaid for inspection and analysis. The search option provides an interface for a large number of queries to the database which is built using MySQL (http://www.mysql.com/ ). Its built in query function can be used to search the database for typical taxonomic information, de rigueur for any biodiversity database. Search queries can include keywords, time and spatial GIS coordinates. Determining patterns of change in species richness and the processes underlying the dynamics of biodiversity are of key interest within the field.

To develop the portal, Asynchronous JavaScript (AJAX) and XML were used for the for client side development. The user interface was developed to avoid long latency times. Our application design strategies included a focus on user interface and usability by minimising the space taken by the task pane and tool selection in the graphical user interface (GUI). This is achieved by using drop down menus and pop up task panes, thus freeing more space for viewing the GIS mapped data. In principle, our strategy is to utilise open access as extensive as possible as it would encourage mass participation in the development of VIBIGIS. Using open source will also conserve our resources in developing effective technological responses to the growing threats to biodiversity