The biodiversity data exchange is the result of a multi-partner project supported by an Exchange Network challenge grant. The biodiversity data exchange is the first natural resources flow to be added to the Exchange Network, and will include data such as taxonomic descriptions for species and geo-referenced locations for species occurrences. Access to these data will benefit states, EPA, and other authorized Exchange Network users that play a role in conservation planning, environmental regulation and decision-making.
The biodiversity data exchange is currently at version 0.9. The posted resources are still in DRAFT form. Further development of these resources is underway. Developes should not attempt to utilize these resources in a production environment. They are being made available for testing and informational purposes only.
The NTG Schema Conformance committee has reviewed the Biodiversity Schema V0.9 Documentation package submitted by NatureServe. The schema diverges from several of the Exchange Network Design Rules and Conventions but these are well documented in the Schema Conformance Report. Use of this schema for the flow of biodiversity data is conditionally supported by the Exchange Network. Flows of biodiversity data to NatureServe over the Network are supported, although partners should be aware of the noncompliant aspects of the schema. New Exchange Network flows should not reuse all or parts of the biodiversity schema.
