App-lifying USGS Earth Science Data

The USGS has a wealth of data and we’ve recently launched our first-ever challenge through Challenge.gov. While this is the first challenge, it’s doubtful to be the last. If you know anyone who loves getting their fingers into 0s and 1s, then please share this with them.

Here’s a little bit about the challenge:

App-lifying USGS Earth Science Data

USGS scientists are looking for your help in addressing some of today’s most perplexing scientific challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. To do so requires a partnership between the best and the brightest in Government and the public to guide research and identify solutions.

The USGS is seeking help via this platform from many of the Nation’s premier application developers and data visualization specialists in developing new visualizations and applications for datasets.

USGS datasets for the contest consist of a range of earth science data types, including:

• several million biological occurrence records (terrestrial and marine);
• thousands of metadata records related to research studies, ecosystems, and species;
• vegetation and land cover data for the United States, including detailed vegetation maps for the National Parks; and
• authoritative taxonomic nomenclature for plants and animals of North America and the world.

Collectively, these datasets are key to a better understanding of many scientific challenges we face globally. Identifying new, innovative ways to represent, apply, and make these data available is a high priority.

Submissions will be judged on their relevance to today’s scientific challenges, innovative use of the datasets, and overall ease of use of the application. Prizes will be awarded to the best overall app, the best student app, and the people’s choice.