CCGP Spatial Metadata Acquisition and Release Policies

Precise location information for all samples collected is paramount to the success of the CCGP project. We have implemented the following policies with regards to all coordinate data collected as part of funded CCGP projects:

  1. All spatial data are treated as part of the metadata of samples collected, and therefore follow the same dissemination policies as other data submitted (see Policy list here). In general, our policy is that locality data for specimens are important and should be made publicly available for this state-funded research.

  2. Precise coordinates (latitude and longitude, preferably in decimal degrees) must be provided as part of your sample submission. No coordinate information should be jittered, rounded, or approximated. It is paramount for both the bioinformatics and landscape genomics data teams to acquire precise locations for all samples collected.

  3. In cases where special dissemination restrictions for any state and/or federally listed species under the ESA (Endangered Species Act) are required, requests must be communicated to Dr. Ryan Harrigan (iluvsa@ucla.edu). This will ensure that each CCGP analysis team that will work with these coordinate data are made aware of, and act in accordance with, these restrictions.

  4. For all other samples, coordinate data will be disseminated in either a) publicly available databases (e.g., as sample metadata on NCBI), or b) released publications according to our standard metadata policies. In special cases, and only when restrictions are requested and approved, we will limit the resolution of location data to the accepted Public Land Survey System (PLSS) Township, Range, and Section format (~ 1 square mile resolution, see here for more information).

  5. It is our standard practice in any publicly facing maps and data visualizations to jitter the coordinates of points. The goal is to jitter enough to make it impossible to extract the specific location from a map, but to still convey the geographic information in the visualized data more broadly. 

  6. Should you have any special concerns or considerations for a particular taxon please contact Dr. Ryan Harrigan (iluvsa@ucla.edu) to discuss and ensure that all teams that handle data are made aware of any issues.