Last July 2024 we updated the dataset of the EMMA herbarium core collection in GBIF.ORG. With each update, errors detected in already published data are corrected, new additions to the collection are introduced and, where possible, the information available on already known records is increased.
Dataset of EMMA herbarium in Gbif.org
In this case, the leap has been great because we have not updated for several years. Specifically, since 2021. A summary of this update:
| Total occurrences | Georeferenced records | % of georeferenced records | % of records with date information (year) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 2021 | 19125 | 1009 | 5% | 85% |
| Year 2024 | 19481 | 1503 | 8% | 96% |
- 356 more occurrences. Most of them are due to new additions from exchanges, collections, donations, etc.
- 494 more georeferenced records. A significant part corresponds to new additions, but another part is due to the correction of incomplete data from old labels.
In particular, it is worth noting that many specimens had MGRS coordinates in which the UTM grid zone designator was missing. With the textual information about the location (province, municipality, place names, etc.) it has been possible to assign a UTM grid zone to these records. In other cases, the record gave an error because it had an incorrect grid zone assignment, but it has also been possible to correct this with the textual information.
We still have data to review regarding georeferencing, so we hope that these figures continue to improve, although at a slower rate.
The support provided by GBIF.ES, both through its training programme and through personalised technical assistance, has been essential for this entire process of improving data storage and publication. In addition to their technical knowledge, we appreciate their patience and kindness.
