OBIS2026EN
Contributing and publishing datasets to OBIS (self-paced)
The Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) is the most comprehensive gateway to the world’s ocean biodiversity and biogeographic data and information. OBIS provides open access to this quality-controlled data that adhere to biodiversity standards (Darwin Core, EML). This course is a continuation of the Contributing and publishing datasets to OBIS (self-paced), which remained open only for staff and collaborators of OBIS Nodes (under invitation of OBIS Secretariat).
The aim of this course is to teach the step-by-step basics for how to format and publish datasets according to these standards to contribute to OBIS, and adopt best practices in the management of marine life data. This training course is self-guided and designed to teach learners how to structure datasets to contribute to OBIS. The course will guide users step-by-step through the OBIS data life cycle, including: identifying an appropriate data structure, applying Darwin Core Archive formatting, conducting quality control steps, publishing data, and accessing data from OBIS.
This course is an updated version - 2025/2026.
Participation in this course is restricted to staff and collaborators in OBIS Nodes, invited by OBIS Secretariat, open initially from 15 December 2025 to 15 December 2026.
https://oceanexpert.org/event/4930
Watch the video below for a brief overview and introduction by the course instructor, Elizabeth Lawrence.
Learning goals
- Describe the OBIS data life cycle
- Restructure a flat dataset into a Darwin Core-Archive format, following OBIS best practices
- Identify appropriate Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG) vocabulary for your dataset
- Interpret and resolve quality control flags
- Publish data and metadata on an IPT
- Obtain OBIS data from the Mapper tool, R, API
Target audience
Participation in this course is restricted to staff and collaborators in OBIS Nodes, invited by OBIS Secretariat, open initially from 15 December 2025 to 15 December 2026.
Course content
The course is divided into the following Modules:
Module 1. Introduction to data publishing and Darwin Core
Module 2. Introduction to data formatting
Module 3. Formatting data tables
Module 4. DNA Derived Data
Module 5. Controlled Vocabulary
Module 6. Conducting Quality Control
Module 7. Publishing your Data
Module 8. Accessing Data from OBIS
These modules will cover:
- Darwin Core standards (Relational databases, Core and Extension tables)
- Formatting data to publish in OBIS (Creating Event, Occurrence, and ExtendedMeasurementOrFact tables; Mapping standardized vocabulary; Using World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) Taxon Match tool; Understand how to compile genetic, acoustic, habitat, imaging, and/or tracking data for OBIS)
- Conducting quality control (Dealing with uncertain data fields e.g. temporal, spatial, taxonomic; Troubleshooting difficult data types or missing data)
- Publishing data (Filling metadata; Using, publishing, and updating datasets on IPT)
- Accessing and downloading data from OBIS (Full data exports, R, API; Using Mapper tool to subset data)
Duration
This is a 32-hour self-paced online course (asynchronously), open continuously from 15 December 2025 to 31 December 2026.
Lead Instructor
- Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence (OBIS training officer)
Other course contributors
- Carolina Peralta Brichtova
- Ruben Perez Perez
- Pieter Provoost
- Saara Suominen
- Leen Vandepitte
- Marcos Zárate
- Mr. Ward Appeltans (OBIS project manager)
Language
English
Learner assessment
This is a self-taught course that includes quizzes designed to help learners assess their own learning at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course and be awarded a Certificate at the end, the following is mandatory:
- complete all lessons in each Module of the course;
- complete all quizzes (80% minimum score);
- submit the assignments and receive a minimum grade of 80% or 'satisfactory' according to the exercise type.
Note: Filling in the course feedback survey is mandatory to obtain the course certificate, as well as a pre and post assessment.
Pre-requisites:
- be a staff or collaborator in an OBIS Node
- a working knowledge of English
- background knowledge in biological and marine sciences
- basic computer skills (either Windows or Mac systems)
- the ability to be self-directed in learning new technology skills (e.g. following a step-by-step tutorial, online video help, or access to support to learn necessary skills)
Technology requirements
To complete this course, participants should have access to:
- Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari web browsers
- JavaScript and cookies enabled
- Broadband internet access (minimum bandwidth of 0.5 Mbps (Receive and Send)
- Speakers or headphones, Microphone
How to enrol
If you are a member of an OBIS node, please contact OBIS secretariat (helpdesk@obis.org) for instructions on how to enroll.
For any questions please contact the OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) or the OBIS secretariat (helpdesk@obis.org) always using the name of the course as email subject.
UNESCO is committed to promote equal access principles. Participation from minority or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.
Costs
There are no tuition fees.
This training course has been developed with financial support from NORAD and LifeWatch ERIC.
Feedback survey
At the end of the course, you will be asked to fill out a feedback survey. This information will be used to improve future courses.
Cancellation policy:
In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.
In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.