Goal and scope of activities

The aim of the project is to integrate data on distribution of organisms, using information accumulated in various sources – natural collections, current research results, legacy data and bibliography. It brings together a wide group a number of institutions connected with the Polish Biodiversity Information Network (KSIB) and a wide group of contributors.

The first phase of activities (2010-2012) covered insects of Poland belonging to orders of beetles, butterflies and moths, and true bugs — in total more than 12 000 species. It was supported by the grant of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education "Mapa Bioróżnorodności Polski w światowym systemie integracji danych o różnorodności biologicznej" (no. 762/N-GBIF/2010/0). Currently, the started activities are being continued and the information system is being extended with other organism groups.

Outcomes

• technical: Biodiversity Map Database (BioMap DB) and related access tools
• scientific: publications resulted from the project
• organizational: cooperation of specialists, institutions and organizations related to the scope of the project

Although data integration as such does not directly create new scientific knowledge, the quick access tool to formerly distributed sources may facilitate data analysis and research planning, giving a chance to enhance future scientific activities in macroecology, taxonomy and biogeography. It can be used in applications connected with nature conservation, lanscape planning or monitoring of pest and invasive species. We trust that the Biodiversity Map will become a useful tool providing thorough information about the rich and complex biodiversity of Poland.