GeoPl@ntNet: A Platform for Exploring Essential Biodiversity Variables

TL;DR

GeoPl@ntNet is an interactive web platform that visualizes high-resolution biodiversity maps and indicators across Europe, enhancing public understanding of biodiversity through AI-generated data and user-friendly exploration tools.

Contribution

It introduces a novel web application that makes high-resolution biodiversity data accessible and understandable to the public using AI and interactive maps.

Findings

Provides detailed biodiversity maps at 50x50 meter resolution.

Enables exploration of specific regions for local biodiversity insights.

Generates comprehensive biodiversity reports for user-selected areas.

Abstract

This paper describes GeoPl@ntNet, an interactive web application designed to make Essential Biodiversity Variables accessible and understandable to everyone through dynamic maps and fact sheets. Its core purpose is to allow users to explore high-resolution AI-generated maps of species distributions, habitat types, and biodiversity indicators across Europe. These maps, developed through a cascading pipeline involving convolutional neural networks and large language models, provide an intuitive yet information-rich interface to better understand biodiversity, with resolutions as precise as 50x50 meters. The website also enables exploration of specific regions, allowing users to select areas of interest on the map (e.g., urban green spaces, protected areas, or riverbanks) to view local species and their coverage. Additionally, GeoPl@ntNet generates comprehensive reports for selected regions, including insights into the number of protected species, invasive species, and endemic species.