A Geospatial Database For The Sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands

Abstract

Research projects at the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands are increasingly considering geospatial data as an essential component in answering scientific questions. A need exists for high resolution geospatial data in both multi- and transdisciplinary research to better analyse fine-scale biotic-abiotic interactions of the islands’ landscape and ecosystems within the context of climate change and the impacts of invasive species. However, much of the geospatial data that currently exist either have limitations in spatial coverage and/or resolution, are outdated or not readily available. To address these issues, we present an online geospatial database for the Prince Edward Islands (both islands) produced from a high-resolution digital surface model and satellite imagery. This database contains vector files, raster datasets, and maps of topographical and hydrological parameters. It is freely available to download from Figshare – an open access data repository. With this database we answer the call to improved data sharing and encourage other sub-Antarctic terrestrial scientists to make use of similar practices.