Biodiversity data surges HELCOM map service up to 500 layers

02 December 2014

The new HELCOM Biodiversity map service is now published as a part of the free HELCOM data and map service, operational in its current form since 2010 and probably one of the globe’s largest hubs of compiled regional spatial information on marine environment. With the Biodiversity map service now open, HELCOM provides free access to some 500 map layers in total, with maps ranging from biodiversity landscape features to information of maritime traffic.

The newest addition to the HELCOM map service are maps on the distribution of red-listed species and biotopes produced in the HELCOM RED LIST project in 2013. The datasets make the data of the Species Information Sheets and Biotope Information Sheets publically available for management purposes, including maritime spatial planning.

The newly added Red List datasets provide distribution maps on red-listed biotopes (36), benthic invertebrates (59), fish species (58), bird species (32), and marine mammals (5). The preparation of datasets for online publishing has been supported by a project funded by the European Commission.

According to HELCOM data policy, all data stemming from monitoring and used in assessments is made publicly available. In case of the biodiversity datasets, the datasets are available for view and download from the HELCOM data and map service as well as the thematic Biodiversity map service. To serve access to open spatial data, all map layers are available through open standard web mapping interfaces (OGC WMS), so the data can be used remotely without downloading and can be embedded in customized web applications.