NBN Gateway Interactive Mapping Tool now includes absence data
The NBN Gateway can now ingest absence (zero abundance) data.
Whilst currently only the Interactive Mapping Tool (IMT) supports reporting on this data, the absence records are clearly differentiated from presence records and both can be independently turned off using the advanced layer controls (gear symbol). When drilling down into the individual records, absence records are highlighted in orange on the species picker and all records are clearly labelled as presence or absence in the further detail of the record.
Absence records can be commented upon in the same way that presence records can and they can also be flagged as sensitive.
Whilst looking at the data, the description field of the dataset metadata should be consulted for an explanation of the methodology used for recording absences or a general statement of each organisation's definition of absences for each dataset.
The examples below show the dataset Black Grouse RSPB annual lek survey Argyll and Bute 2002 – 2011
The absence data is shown where the grey striped squares appear.
The information box shows where the absence data comes from.
Explore the data for yourself by going to the Interactive Mapping Tool