The GIS query interface can help you visualize CAMERA sampling efforts on a map and then select samples of interest based on some environmental criteria. Here’s an example of making such a selection. In this case we’ll find all the samples that are on the continental shelf in a certain exclusive economic zone:
- Click the “GIS Query” tab.
- In the “Elevation at sample site (ETOPO)” section, enter -150 in the minimum text box and 0 in the maximum text box. This will restrict the selected samples to those where the reported elevation is between -150 m and 0 m (a rough approximation of the continental shelf).
- Click the “Update” button. The map will change to reflect the samples on the continental shelf.
- Now we’ll add a selection based on a region. Choose “EEZs (Country)” from the “Region” drop down.
- Choose “United States Exclusive Economic Zone” from the new drop down that appears. Note that the map updates and highlights the region in red.
- Now let’s add another restriction based on the depth of the sample. Let’s say we’re only interested in samples taken just below the ocean surface. In the “Sample Depth” section enter 0 in the minimum text box and 3 in the maximum text box. This will further restrict the samples to those taken between 0 and 3 meters below sea level.
- Click the “Update” button. The map will change to reflect the new criteria.
- Now you can work with a subset of this data. The table below the map shows a tabular view of the samples on the map. You can click on the project name or the sample name to get more detailed information and access to auxiliary data. You can also click the “Export” button to download the sequences related to the samples you’ve selected.
- Click the “Clear” button to start fresh with your own criteria.