Benthic and Geomorphic Reference Data for Global Coral Reef Mapping.

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This data collection consists of benthic and geomorphic reference samples, generated by University of Queensland (UQ) Global Coral Reef Mapping for used in producing benthic and geomorphic maps. The UQ Global Coral Reef Mapping is part of the Allen Coral Atlas (ACA). The atlas includes global benthic and geomorphic maps in coral reef areas derived from classification of satellite imagery driven by inputs of multiple types of data (field data, water depth, slope, wave, and existing maps). The maps are created following a global mapping approach (Lyons et al 2020), using a global classification scheme (Kennedy et al 2020) requiring the creation of reference samples for calibration and validation purposes (Roelfsema et al 2020). It is built by a dedicated team of scientists, technologists, and conservationists. Led and funded by Vulcan Inc. (Paul G. Allen Philanthropies), the partnership also includes Arizona State University’s Centre for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, the National Geographic Society, Planet, and the University of Queensland. Details of the methods developed and used can be found on the ACA website (https://allencoralatlas.org/methods/) and from published papers (Roelfsema et al. 2013, Roelfsema et al. 2018, Roelfsema et al 2020, Kennedy et al 2020, Lyons et al. 2020). The map products are also accessible via the ACA website (https://allencoralatlas.org/atlas/). The Atlas engagement team aims to have these maps used by scientists, academics, policymakers, and protected area managers.