Biodiversity data are usually generated for a specific purpose, but are often used for multiple purposes. Some of the routine feedback from users ranges from lack of sufficient data (volume, depth and density), lack of fitness-for-use (precision, accuracy and authenticity), and lack of mechanisms for data discovery and access to data. The GBIF Content Needs Assessment Task Group (CNA TG) is assessing the biodiversity data needs for multi-varied analysis and identifying the gaps in biodiversity data presently accessible through GBIF. It will make recommendations on data mobilisation strategies to bridge these gaps.

Objectives:

The CNA TG will engage in the following activities:

• Determine the priority questions that GBIF-mobilised data should be able to address for different areas of science and policy in the near, medium and long term at global, regional, national or thematic levels.
• Evaluate for the varied priority questions identified the content needs (volume, depth, and density) and data fitness (precision, accuracy and authenticity) for specific uses.
• Design a survey to determine the demography of use of biodiversity data, and to understand the content needs of varied uses (thematic, regional /national, problem specific, etc.)
• Assess the unique scientific and policy contributions of GBIF-mobilised data that cannot readily be met through other mechanisms
• Distribute, analyse, synthesise, and interpret the survey results
• Identify gaps in accessible data mapped against data needs
• Recommend strategies and priorities for GBIF data mobilisation (what should GBIF focus on in the short, medium and long term?).

Progress/Outcome:

The GBIF CNA TG exercise began during January 2009. Given the geographical spread of the CNA TG, most of the business was conducted through email, wiki and teleconferences.

The CNA TG commissioned a survey in May 2009 to collect information on the demography of use of biodiversity data, and to understand the myriad primary biodiversity data needs across user communities. It also sought inputs to determine the unique scientific and policy contributions of uses made of data mobilised and accessible through the GBIF community. Launched in five languages – English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese – the survey and its results formed the basis for the deliberations of the CNA TG meeting held in June 2009 in Copenhagen.