NBN Update

We are pleased to report that the VPDB has now been updated on the NBN Gateway. For the gateway, the VPDB is now split into three datasets:

1. The dataset behind the New Atlas. 9.8 million records. (http://www.searchnbn.net/datase tInfo/taxonDataset.jsp?dsKey=GA00 0091)

2. A dataset of data added since the New Atlas. 1.3 million records. (http://www.searchnbn.net/datase tInfo/taxonDataset.jsp?dsKey=GA00 0477)

3. A dataset of vascular plant data for Scottish Vice-counties. 240k records. (http://www.searchnbn.net/datase tInfo/taxonDataset.jsp?dsKey=GA00 0436)

This reflects the requirement for different access levels (#3 with public access, #1 and #2 with public view at 10km only), and to enable more regular updates. With new data added to the VPDB at BRC we intend to update #2 and #3 at the same time. #1 will change less frequently (annually?) as corrections to the New Atlas data are made.

We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the NBN technical team (Graham French and Andy Brewer) for solving the technical problems of loading the main 9.8 million dataset.

Work of the Plant Unit

The Plant Unit is the professional arm of the BSBI, with a remit to develop scientific uses of the BSBI’s data and provide services to academia and the conservation sector.

Academic Research

We undertake research and supply data to collaborators in universities. The BSBI holds the largest biological recording database in the world, with highly structured data that is invaluable for analyses such as responses to climate change.

Data Supply

We have an annual rogramme of updating/dataflow to BRC, who provide verification etc. and then that this data eventually goes onto the NBN. Members/VCRs can apply for higher resolution access to this data than 10km.

Site Condition Monitoring

The Plant Unit contributes towards the assessment of the nature conservation status of SSSIs through Site Condition Monitoring. Visit his BSBI Scotland web site for more information.