Tools & Services

The following tools and services are developed and maintained, or are partially supported by, the USGS Biological Informatics Program.

Images

NBII Digital Image Library
One of the largest online repositories of high quality, scientifically verified biological and ecological images. All images are accompanied by comprehensive metadata, including species names, geographic information, photographer, copyright information, available resolutions, and other critical usage information. Many images in the library are in the public domain, while others can be used without charge for personal, non-commercial purposes.

Maps & Map Services

GAPServe Maps
The Gap Analysis Program has released a new GAPServe mapping application built to allow users to view the GAP Data layers across state boundaries. The GAPServe mapping application was build using technologies and specifications that allow mapping applications to take advantage of using these maps without downloading them. Users and applications may deep link to a specific GAPServe map, or access the layers of the GAPServe without downloading and loading onto a server.

NBII Geospatial Interoperability Framework (GIF)
The NBII Program has developed a Geospatial Interoperability Framework (NBII-GIF or GIF) strategy based on International Standards Organization (ISO) standards and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) specifications, integrated with the core NBII Framework standards and protocols such as Universal Description, Discovery and Integration (UDDI) protocol, with data content and metadata standards. The purpose of the GIF is to allow NBII users to seamlessly, and transparently discover and visualize the distributed resources while providing the components, services and tools for NBII's Nodes and Partners to participate in the framework. This site contains resources describing the NBII-GIF, the products and benefits of the NBII-GIF, and information on how to participate in the NBII-GIF.

Metadata

NBII Metadata Clearinghouse
The NBII operates the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) clearinghouse for biological and ecological metadata. The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory manages the NBII Metadata Clearinghouse. Users can access the Clearinghouse through the link above to search for metadata for datasets, geospatial data layers, projects, reports, and other products that have been described using FGDC Metadata and the Biological Data Profile.

NBII Metadata Training Program for the FGDC Standard + Biological Data Profile
NBII offers a variety of training workshops for individuals wanting to create their own FGDC-compliant metadata records, and for people who would like to become metadata trainers within their own organization or agency. This Web site provides access to manuals, standards documentation, and forthcoming training workshops.

Terminologies

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
Managed by the USGS Biological Informatics Program, ITIS is a taxonomic authority developed in partnership with multiple federal scientific research and management agencies to provide an online database of authoritative, scientifically credible information regarding species names and their hierarchical classification.

NBII-CSA Biocomplexity Thesaurus
Developed by the NBII and CSA, a leading bibliographic database provider, the Biocomplexity Thesaurus provides the USGS Biological Informatics Program with a high-quality terminology and controlled vocabulary for describing the subject matter of all documents, images, maps, tools, services, reports, Web sites, and other products. Using a shared vocabulary across programs ensures better information retrieval and intellectual access to users of these products. The Biocomplexity Thesaurus is freely accessible to the public via the NBII Web site.