The GBIF Secretariat works closely with its volunteer community of trainers and mentors to develop and maintain several online training courses. These courses are conducted either as online or on-site workshops.
GBIF general curriculum
Introduction to GBIF
This course provides an introduction to GBIF, the data available in GBIF’s portal, accessing that data and information about engaging with GBIF and its community of practice. Topics include:
- Information about GBIF
- GBIF-mediated data
- Data publishing
- Data access
- GBIF community of practice
This course is comprised of video and written instruction and paired with quizzes and practical exercises. It is available in English and French.
Next Steps in Node Management
This course aims to assist all node managers in further developing their nodes, irrespective of their current level of development. This course was developed as part of the Global Nodes Training in Leiden, Netherlands, in October 2019. Topics include:
- developing strategic plans
- identifying and engaging key stakeholders in their networks
- developing training plans and workshops that benefit from the GBIF community of practice
- resourcing activities and developing collaborative projects that strengthen the community as a whole
Biodiversity Data Mobilization
This course enables students to plan and implement biodiversity data mobilization efforts effectively using accepted community standards. Its aim is to increase the volume, richness and quality of the data published through the GBIF network. This course was first developed as part of the Biodiversity Information for Development (BID) programme funded by the European Union. Topics include:
- Project planning
- Data capture
- Data management
- Data publishing
This course is comprised of video and written instruction and paired with quizzes and practical exercises. It is available in English, French and Portuguese.
Participants who successfully complete the course are offered a basic-level or an advanced-level digital badge.
Data Use for Decision-Making
This course offers students a hands-on demonstration of the steps required to process, analyse and mainstream biodiversity data into policy. Biodiversity Information for Development (BID) programme funded by the European Union. Topics include:
- Data Processing
- Assessing the conservation status of species using IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria
- Ecological Niche Modelling
- Mainstreaming biodiversity data
Participants who successfully complete the course are offered a basic-level or an advanced-level digital badge.
Documentation and learning resources
The GBIF community has a long history of producing technical and other documentation on a range of topics relating to biodiversity informatics and open biodiversity data.
The GBIF Secretariat currently coordinates the development of "digital-first" documentation, in collaboration with subject-matter experts, an editorial panel and community peer-reviewers.
Titles of particular interest for the community include:
- Establishing an Effective GBIF Participant Node: Concepts and general considerations (also available in Spanish, French and Portuguese).
- Current Best Practices for Generalizing Sensitive Species Occurrence Data, by Arthur D. Chapman
- Georeferencing Best Practices, by Arthur D. Chapman and John R. Wieczorek
- Guía para la limpieza de datos sobre biodiversidad con OpenRefine, by Paula F. Zermoglio, Camila A. Plata Corredor, John R. Wieczorek, Ricardo Ortiz Gallego and Leonardo Buitrago