Fig. 99: Implementation strategy for exploring, visualizing, and analysing the data on the IBP

The map interface allows the data to be overlaid with the aggregated map layers and query and visualize all the variables and layers at any location. IBP plans host build analytical tools on the Portal’s data including image recognition for species identification, niche modelling, spatial autocorrelation, map algebra operations, and integration with the R-statistical package so that any subsetted data of interest can be exported as a data frame to be analyzed by R-statistical routines.

Fig. 99: Implementation strategy for exploring, visualizing, and analysing the data on the IBP

The IBP has also engaged with State and Central Governments and line departments in building applications and curating and publishing biodiversity data specific to their requirements. The Assam Biodiversity Portal built with the support of the Assam Forest Department and Assam State Biodiversity Board is a case in point. Based on this approach multiple portals and microsites have been built on the IBP. The technology platform also runs the Bhutan Biodiversity Portal, the Madagascar Protected Areas Portal, the portal for tropical weeds WIKTROP and the Mikoko Portal for mangroves of Kenya. Use of Geospatial Technologies

The whole technology stack of the IBP is open source and available on GitHub as the “biodiv technology stack”. It was re-architectured in 2019 using modern open-source frameworks as well as newer typescript-supported React.JS for the front end.

The geospatial stack, the map module, is built on a geo-server with a Postgres/PostGIS data store as well as an ElasticSearch data store with spatial data types to hold geographic data. The front end for the geospatial module is built with React.JS libraries with Mapbox.JS. The backgrounds map layer and satellite images for the map canvas are by a sponsored subscription to Mapbox.