Why should invasive alien species data providers share their data directly through GISIN?
The GISIN encourages invasive alien species (IAS) data providers to share their data directly through GISIN, and then
consider sharing with other networks. The main reason for this is that GISIN supports the sharing of data that are specific
to invasive species (e.g. Species status, Dispersal, Impacts, Management) that other biodiversity networks do not. In addition we
wish to work closely with IAS data providers to identify additional data sharing priorities as we expand GISIN to include new data models.
GISIN also continues to work closely with representatives of many other data sharing networks, including GBIF, to better leverage our
collective knowledge and technologies for data sharing and pursue effective solutions for avoiding duplication.
Email Annie Simpson (asimpson@usgs.gov) or Elizabeth Sellers (esellers@usgs.gov) with information about
your invasive alien species database, a URL where it is published (if a website), and request to create a new project. It may
take a day or two for us to evaluate the database, add your project to the GISIN List and
add your provider profile to the GISIN Provider list. We will keep you updated on our progress.
What format does my data need to be in to upload it as a file to the GISIN?
Your data will need to fall into one of the following types of data, or "data models" currently supported by the GISIN:
SpeciesStatus: Status for a species, in a particular location, at a particular date.
This includes data on origin, presence, distribution, abundance, rate of spread, and whether the species is harmful.
SpeciesResourceURLs: URLs to web pages with profile information (also known as descriptions or fact-sheets).
Occurrences: Spatial information on species locations at specified dates. The location can be coordinates or location name.
The fields in your database need to conform to the fields or "concepts" outlined in the GISIN protocol for each data model.
The GISIN accepts 'txt' (tab-delimited) files.
How does the GISIN web service function?
A detailed explanation of the GISIN web service can be found here.
Click on the "Web Service" link at the bottom of the page corresponding to the web service that provided the data you want to delete.
Click on the "Cache Events" link at the bottom of the page to view a list of cache events with options to delete.
What are GUIDS? And how do I add them to my data?
A GUID is a 'Globally Unique Identifier' used to make sure that each record in GISIN is unique. GUIDs help us to resolve duplicate records,
trace records back to their original provider, and perform updates on records. If you already have GUIDs with your data, you can just use them
with GISIN. If you do not, you'll want to add GUIDs to your data and use GISIN as a GUID authority.
GUIDs in GISIN follow a standard convention of: [Authority]/GUID/[InstitutionCode]/[CollectionCode]/[CatalogNumber]
If I upload a dataset to the GISIN and later find it has some errors, how do I correct it in the GISIN?
You have 2 options:
Delete the existing data in GISIN (see instructions for deleting data above), then upload the file containing new and old records OR
Upload file containing new records only.
If I added data and want to add new data in the future, do I just upload a file containing only new data?
Or does the file have to include the new data and what has already been uploaded?
See answer above.
What size does my logo need to be to upload correctly?
width: 162px, height: 112px
How can I use data made available through the GISIN for my research?
Invasive species data published through the GISIN can be used to develop maps of the native and introduced range of species, and for measuring and modeling invasive
species population dynamics and their impacts and responses to environmental and climatic change. To request a specific filtered dataset from the GISIN, please contact Jim Graham.
Technical Questions/Difficulties?
Who can I talk to if I am experiencing technical difficulties in connecting an IAS database to the GISIN?
Please contact Jim Graham and explain the technical problem as best as you can.
If you have questions or need assistance with something that is not covered in the Technical Documentation,
please contact Jim Graham.
