The complementary side of biodiversity data publication is data retrieval and use. GBIF makes various tools available to query the global network of databases and shows different ways to use the data, in order to inspire others to make greater use of this valuable resource.

The GBIF Data Portal has been the primary source for data retrieval for many years. This will certainly continue, but other means to access the data are becoming more relevant as the number of records in the network grows. This training strategy will show how to access data from the network using web services and OGC services.

GBIF's success can be measured in part by how much use of the data is done. Indeed this is a key rationale for all the work across the entire GBIF Network. The aim of this training strategy to foster easy access to materials on the different techniques presently used to analyse biodiversity data (such as ecological niche modelling).