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BioViewPoint

Welcome to the BioViewPoint repository, part of the Environmental Data Science Innovation and Inclusion Lab (ESIIL). This repository serves as the central hub for our working group, hosting our project description, proposals, member bios, codebase, and more.

Our Project

Satellites are a powerful tool to understand how the world is changing. Satellites equipped with cameras, in particular, record light reflected by the Earth's surface across different wavelengths. We can use these data to understand the environmental conditions that influence the distribution of life on Earth, or Earth’s 'biodiversity'. However, just as environmental changes influence where species are and how many species exist in a particular place, species also influence their environment. In other words, biodiversity itself helps shape the world around us. This means that knowledge on how species are distributed in space and time can offer insights into our environment and on how this might change in the future. To explore this concept, our project will use a combination of species observations, pictures taken from satellites, and artificial intelligence to describe how biodiversity affects the environment. We think that just as we can use these satellite photos to understand the environment's impact on biodiversity, we can also use observations of different species to map the Earth's surface the way satellites perceive it. Through this research, we can also better understand how different species contribute to keeping their environment healthy, which will support policymakers in creating legislation to protect Earth’s biodiversity and the environments we share with them.

Project Proposal

BioViewPoint Proposal

Group Members

  • Ruben Remelgado, University of Bonn, Germany (PI/Tech-Lead; geocomputation, data uncertainties/synergies, macroecology)
  • Kimberly Thompson, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Germany (Co-PI, biodiversity change, global change drivers, causal inference)
  • Ryo Ogawa, University of Bonn, Germany (wildlife ecology, ecosystem services, ecoacoustics)
  • Marina Wolowski, Federal University of Alfenas, Brazil (botany, ecosystem services, ecological interaction)
  • Pablo Martinez, Federal University of Sergipe, Brazil (zoology, species-human interactions, Biogeography)
  • Patrick O'Brien, University of Alberta, Canada (mathematics, physics, remote sensing)
  • Benjamin Leutner, Land Banking Group, Germany (geography, ecology, economics)
  • Corey Callaghan, University of Florida Davies, USA (*biodiversity change, citizen science)
  • Michela Perrone, Czech University of Life Sciences, Czech Republic (*ecology, geoinformatics, remote sensing)

Code Repository

(This section of the repository will include all the code developed for the project. You can structure it as follows) - Analysis Code: Scripts for data analysis, statistical modeling, etc. - Data Processing: Scripts for cleaning, merging, and managing datasets. - Visualization: Code for creating figures, charts, and interactive visualizations.

Meeting Notes and Agendas

Meeting notes and agendas will be regularly updated here to keep all group members informed and engaged with the progress and direction of the project.

Contributing to This Repository

We welcome contributions from all group members. To maintain the quality and integrity of the repository, please adhere to the following guidelines: - Make sure all commits have a clear and concise message. - Document any major changes or decisions in the meeting notes. - Review and merge changes through pull requests to ensure oversight.

Getting Help

If you encounter any issues or have questions about how to contribute, please refer to the ESIIL Support Page or contact the repository maintainers directly.

Customize Your Repository

As a new working group, you'll want to make this repository your own. Here's how to get started:

  1. Edit This Readme: Replace the placeholder content with information about your specific project. Ensure that the introduction, project overview, and objectives clearly reflect your group's research focus.

  2. Update Group Member Bios: Add details about each group member's expertise, role in the project, and professional background. Include links to personal or professional web pages to foster community engagement and collaboration.

  3. Organize Your Code: Structure your codebase in a way that is logical and accessible. Use directories and clear naming conventions to make it easy for all members to find and contribute to different parts of the project.

  4. Document Your Data: Include a data directory with README files explaining the datasets, sources, and any preprocessing steps. This will help new members understand and work with the project's data effectively.

  5. Outline Your Methods: Create a detailed METHODS.md file where you describe the methodologies, software, and tools you will be using in your research. This transparency will support reproducibility and collaborative development.

  6. Set Up Project Management: Utilize the 'Issues' and 'Projects' features on GitHub to track tasks, discuss ideas, and manage your workflow. This can help in maintaining a clear view of progress and priorities.

  7. Add a License: Choose and include an appropriate open-source license for your project, ensuring that the broader community understands how they can use and contribute to your work.

  8. Create Contribution Guidelines: Establish a CONTRIBUTING.md file with instructions for members on how to propose changes, submit issues, and contribute code.

  9. Review and Merge Workflow: Decide on a workflow for reviewing and merging changes. Will you use branch protection? Who will have merge privileges? Document this process to avoid confusion.

  10. Establish Communication Channels: Beyond GitHub, set up additional communication channels like Slack, Discord, or email lists for quick and informal discussions.

Remember, the goal is to make your repository clear, accessible, and useful for all current and future members of your working group. Happy researching!

Last update: 2024-10-01