Data Exchange Description
The biodiversity data exchange is the result of a multi-partner project supported by an Exchange Network challenge grant. The biodiversity data exchange is the first natural resources flow to be added to the Exchange Network, and will include data such as taxonomic descriptions for species and geo-referenced locations for species occurrences. Access to these data will benefit states, EPA, and other authorized Exchange Network users that play a role in conservation planning, environmental regulation and decision-making.
Project partners included the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Washington Department of Ecology, and NatureServe, a non-profit organization with a network of 75 natural heritage programs and conservation data centers. NatureServe’s programs are the nation’s leading source for detailed data on rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems.
Version Notes
Status: Supported
The biodiversity data exchange is currently in version 1.0. The NTG Conformance committee has reviewed the Biodiversity documentation package submitted by NatureServe. The schema diverges from several of the Exchange Network Design Rules and Conventions but these are well documented in the Schema Conformance Report. Use of this schema for the flow of biodiversity data is conditionally supported by the Exchange Network. Flows of biodiversity data to NatureServe over the Network are supported, although partners should be aware of the noncompliant aspects of the schema. New Exchange Network flows should not reuse all or parts of the biodiversity schema.
