Distribution module

Data points (occurences of specimens) can be plotted on map in the distribution module. Syngraph can be used to plott records of species or any higher rank taxon. Images or observations can be marked and plotted as custom data sets. Data sets plotted in the distribution module can be exported as XY (longitude, latitude) text file (*.txt) which can be imported in any GIS application or analysis package.

Specifications:
This module is able to display maps in layers. The selection and order of layers can be changed by the user. Maps can be displayed as tiles. The maps can be zoomed, draged. Data points plotted on maps can be identified (observation details).

Distribution module can display:

raster maps (*.bmp, *.jpg, *.gif, *.wmf).

ESRI shape files (*.shp) - the pallete and active field can be changed by user.

XYZ ascii files (ASCII DEM files) - gradient schemes can be loaded as gradient (*.grd) or bitmap (*.bmp, *.jpg) files.

Symbols:

data points [circles - type specimens; rectangles - non-type specimens].

data points of a species can be color codified using the colors of synonym units.

data points can be monochromatic.

the size of symbols can be changed .

Predictions:

Syngraph can build prediction maps using environmental parameters given by the user.

the prediction can be built for any set of data points (observations) plotted on map (species, subset of specimens, higher rank taxa).

environmental parameters from an environmental data set can be set on and off.

Syngraph can display cluster data generated by LoiczView cluster tool.

Map Projections:

at this time no projections

Map Sources:

Geography Network - http://www.geographynetwork.com/maps/free.cfm

USGS EROS Data Center - http://edcdaac.usgs.gov/gtopo30/gtopo30.html

NESDIS National Geophysical Data Center - http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/global/seltopo.html

NESDIS National Geophysical Data Center (Bathymetry, Topography, & Relief) - http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/bathymetry/relief.html