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A knowledge environment for the biodiversity and ecological sciences

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Abstract

The Science Environment for Ecological Knowledge (SEEK) is a knowledge environment that is being developed to address many of the current challenges associated with data accessibility and integration in the biodiversity and ecological sciences. The SEEK information technology infrastructure encompasses three integrated systems: (1) EcoGrid—an open architecture for data access; (2) a Semantic Mediation System based on domain-specific ontologies; and (3) an Analysis and Modeling System that supports semantically integrated analytical workflows. Multidisciplinary scientists and programmers from multiple institutions comprise the core development team. SEEK design and development are informed by three multidisciplinary teams of scientists organized in Working Groups. The Biodiversity and Ecological Analysis and Modeling Working Group informs development through evaluation of SEEK efficacy in addressing biodiversity and ecological questions. The Knowledge Representation Working Group provides knowledge representation requirements from the domain sciences and develops the corresponding knowledge representations (ontologies) to support the assembly of analytical workflows in the Analysis and Modeling System, and the intelligent data and service discovery in the EcoGrid. A Biological Classification and Nomenclature Working Group investigates solutions to mediating among multiple taxonomies for naming organisms. A multifaceted education, outreach and training program ensures that the SEEK research products, software, and information technology infrastructure optimally benefit the target communities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, LTER Network Office, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2020, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA

    William K. Michener & Deana D. Pennington

  2. Biodiversity Research Center, University of Kansas, 1345 Jayhawk Boulevard, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA

    James H. Beach

  3. National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, 735 State St., Suite 300, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101-3351, USA

    Matthew B. Jones & Mark Schildhauer

  4. San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA, 92093-0505, USA

    Bertram Ludäscher & Arcot Rajasekar

  5. Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Research Center, University of Kansas, 1345 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS, 66045-7561, USA

    Ricardo S. Pereira

Authors
  1. William K. Michener
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  2. James H. Beach
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  3. Matthew B. Jones
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  4. Bertram Ludäscher
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  6. Ricardo S. Pereira
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  7. Arcot Rajasekar
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  8. Mark Schildhauer
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Correspondence to William K. Michener.

Additional information

This work is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Nos. ITR 0225676, 0225674 and DBI-0129792, as well as DARPA (N00014-03-1-0900). Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation (NSF) or DARPA.

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Michener, W.K., Beach, J.H., Jones, M.B. et al. A knowledge environment for the biodiversity and ecological sciences. J Intell Inf Syst 29, 111–126 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10844-006-0034-8

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