Species Distribution Modelling

An Overview

OpenModeller is a framework for species distribution modeling. It is an open source library developed as part of the speciesLink project. It is entirely based on open source software to accomplish tasks like reading different map file formats, converting between coordinate systems and performing calculations. This provides researchers the required tools to compare modeling methodologies easily, and to spend more time analyzing and interpreting results.

Predictive modeling of species' distributions is an important tool in biogeography, evolution, ecology, conservation and invasive-species management. Fundamental niche concepts combine species occurrence data with ecological/environmental variables to create a model of the species' ecological requirements. For this, primary species occurrence data in the form of georeferenced coordinates can be fed to the model along with selected environmental layers to generate a model of the species' potential geographic distribution. Before modelling, data needs to be prepared, which includes environmental layers, collection of primary species occurrence data, selecting an algorithm that best predicts species distribution and an understanding of analysis and interpretation of results. Therefore, independent of the modeling software and tools, modeling process must be understood in detail, in order to apply correctly. Learn more. »

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