Geographic heat maps of lichen traits derived by combining LIAS light description and GBIF occurrence data, provided on a new platform

Abstract

LIAS gtm, a new platform of the LIAS lichen information system, is presented. It allows for the visualization of phenotypic traits via geographic heatmapping of relative trait frequencies (RTFs) based on data derived from GBIF (occurrence data) and from LIAS light (taxon description data). The data are combined and referred to defined geographic areas of interest. Exemplarily, LIAS gtm provides distribution patterns of a selection of single, dual or multiple traits. The data are visualized for two lichen record hotspots, Scandinavia and Australia. Detailed technical information is provided on the platform web site itself.