R como un SIG: Extracción de datos climáticos de WorldClim

Paula N. Fergnani

doi:10.25260/EA.22.32.1.0.1119

Authors

Paula N. Fergnani Laboratorio Ecotono. Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, INIBIOMA-CONICET. San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25260/EA.22.32.1.0.1119

Keywords:

teaching aid, R project, georeferenced data, spatial analysis, diversity, macroecology, climatic change

Abstract

Characterizing sampling sites based on climatic data is a key need for a significant number of professionals working in ‘ ecology. In general terms, so is the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) tools. However, accessing the use of available online climatic databases and GIS tools is a challenge. This paper shows how to use R as a GIS to obtain values of climatic variables for geo-referenced sampling sites, using the WorldClim database, which contains climatic information for the entire globe. Firstly, there is a description of the WorldClim database. A bibliographic search shows the frequency of use of WorldClim and the topics of study. It is concluded that the use of this database has been increasing over the years, and currently it is massively used. The United States is the country that uses it most frequently. In Argentina, 420 publications cite this database, and the topics that are most frequently addressed are linked to ecology. Secondly, a step-by-step routine for extracting data from WorldCim data base is presented. In addition, the reasons for using R as a GIS are described and an introduction to the management of spatial objects in R is included. Upon completion of the routine, the values ‘ of 19 bioclimatic variables related to precipitation and temperature are obtained for a series of sampling sites and the results are displayed on maps. The routine is also an introduction to the use of R as a GIS. The information presented has direct application for professionals in the field of ecology. The explanations are complemented with graphics so that the material can be included in exercise guides in undergraduate or graduate courses.

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