What is GBIF?
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility brings together billions of species occurrence records from museums, surveys and citizen science, and maps them for every species.
Free API Open data
GBIF
The global database of species occurrences, mapped
- Coverage
- Worldwide
- Updates
- Community
- Price
- Free
- Sign-up
- Not needed
- View
- Flat map
What you can do
- Occurrence maps for any species
- Data from many institutions
- Free downloads
The details
- Coverage
- Worldwide
- Updates
- Continuously (community edits)
- Data source
- Museums, surveys and citizen science
- Made by
- GBIF (international organisation)
- Price
- Free
- Account
- No account needed
- On phones
- Best on a computer
- Map view
- Flat map
Tips for using GBIF
- Search a species and open the map tab to see where it has been recorded.
Who it is for
GBIF is especially useful for researchers & analysts and students.
Questions about GBIF
Is GBIF free?
Yes. GBIF is free to use.
Do I need an account to use GBIF?
No. You can open the map and use it without signing up.
How often is GBIF updated?
It changes continuously as the community adds and edits information.
Where does GBIF get its data?
Museums, surveys and citizen science.
Can I use GBIF on my phone?
It opens on phones, but it works best on a computer with a larger screen.
What are some alternatives to GBIF?
Similar maps include NASA FIRMS Fire Map, AirNow Fire and Smoke Map, Global Forest Watch and Electricity Maps. See the full list of GBIF alternatives on ColorfulMaps.
Summary based on public information about GBIF. Features and prices change; the map's own website has the latest details.
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