Image source: Great Barrier Reef. By Noemie. Adobe Stock.
Allen Coral Atlas
Resource type:
Mapping
Location:
Global
Available language:
English
If you need to translate this resource into another language follow these instructions.
Custodian:
Arizona State University Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science
Launched:
2020
Useful for:
Reef managers, reef users, local communities, regional and national governments, coral conservationists, scientists
Purpose:
Allen Coral Atlas uses high-resolution satellite imagery to map and monitor coral reefs. It is the first globally consistent benthic and geomorphic map of the world’s tropical coral reef ecosystems.
Features:
Interactive worldwide map for users to view data, upload, and save custom areas of interest
Information available:
Reef satellite imagery, bathymetry, reef extent, habitat maps (benthic and geomorphic), NOAA Coral Reef Watch, coral reef bleaching, ocean water turbidity, Marine Protected Areas, maritime boundaries
Cost and sign-up:
Free to use, account with verified email required to download data
Can data be downloaded?
Yes, areas up to 5,000,000 km2
Is the tool available offline?
No, it is not available offline
How can I use this resource?
Explore near real-time data, Explore time series data, Identify threats, Make decisions, Plan monitoring, Share information
Enquiries:
Support: support@allencoralatlas.org
Feedback: feedback@allencoralatlas.org
Further information:
Use case example
Michael is a reef manager in Palawan in the Philippines. It is his job to monitor the health of the coral reefs in his jurisdiction. Limited resources, however, make this task difficult. Trying to map and assess the coral reefs with accuracy seemed almost impossible, until he discovered the Allen Coral Atlas.
Using the turbidity mapping to identify monitoring sites, and the habitat maps as a baseline, Michael implemented a monitoring plan and identified the important role that water quality was playing in the death of coral reefs. This was particularly relevant close to the river and the small town where many people lived. Consulting with government experts, Michael was able to participate in solutions such as reducing erosion by planting mangroves.
