Complete Data Use Training online
Access the Data Use Training here: https://www.natureserve.org/data-use-training.
- Completion of NatureServe Data Use Training is required for those accessing precise species location data or species habitat models that are sensitive and therefore governed under a data license agreement but is also recommended for anyone using NatureServe data and interested in learning more about the methodology behind the development of our species and ecosystem data.
- This four-part training takes under an hour to complete. It provides an overview of NatureServe and the NatureServe Network Programs, the available biodiversity data and data products, and the methodology used to ensure standardized and high-quality information. The training also provides guidelines to support the appropriate use of NatureServe data.
To become a NatureServe Certified Data User, you are required to view four videos. You can pause and come back to each video at any time. After viewing the videos, hit the Complete the Training button and you will be required to fill out a form to confirm completion of the training.
Agree to the terms and conditions of your licensed data agreement.
Upon completion of the Data Use Training above and filling out the form, you will receive a confirmation email that contains a link to the project summary for your organization. Please make sure to review the Data License linked in the “Data License Agreement” section, then complete the form at the bottom of the page. If needed, email [email protected] for a copy of license agreement terms.
Submitting the Data Use Training Completion and Data License Agreement Forms will notify the Biodiversity Location Data Team to add you to the appropriate user group. The BLD team will notify you when access has been granted.
If additional assistance is needed to access NatureServe data, please reach out to NatureServe at [email protected] (please add "Explorer Pro Support Request" to the subject line) with a description of what is needed.
Accessing NatureServe Explorer Pro
If you are already a registered Explorer Pro user, please complete the Data Use Training and upon completion you will have access to review and agree to the Terms of the License Agreement.
Not yet registered on Explorer Pro? Follow the steps below to get registered:
Register for NatureServe Explorer Pro
Register to view NatureServe data on the NatureServe Explorer Pro Mapping Interface, using the following instructions. Note: This will set up your public account to NatureServe Explorer Pro, not to a licensed NatureServe dataset.
- Visit the NatureServe Explorer Pro website (https://explorer.natureserve.org/pro/Welcome) and sign up with the same email and password used to complete the Data Use Training Completion Form.
2. You will receive an email with a link to verify your email address. Click the link and it will open a browser with a message confirming your registration
3. Return to the sign in screen to sign into Explorer Pro with your account. Upon sign in, you will need to agree to the terms of service by clicking “Accept.”
Accessing the Geodata Portal
Authorized users can access occurrence data and species habitat models through a geodata portal and conduct analyses with occurrence data in ArcGIS Pro. Users must sign up for the geodata portal for access and set up their connection to the portal in ArcGIS Pro.
Register for the Geodata Portal
NatureServe data is shared on NatureServe’s geodata portal and is accessible via a NatureServe Explorer Pro account. The section below outlines how you can access the geodata portal.
1. Once you have created your account on NatureServe Explorer Pro, Navigate to the NatureServe Geodata Portal and click on “Sign In” at the top right corner of the screen. Note that you will not be able to log in at this time. You need to attempt to log in so your username appears in the system, and we can then add you to the group.
2. Click the button labeled “Explorer Pro” and sign in using your Explorer Pro login credentials (see the section above titled “Register for NatureServe Explorer Pro” if you need to create an account).
3. Contact NatureServe Data Support to request that your portal user be given access to the licensed dataset. Please provide your full name, email address, data license agreement affiliation, and Explorer Pro username in the contact. Your access to the dataset will be granted as soon as possible, and you will be notified via your Data Support ticket once you have been added to the geodata portal user group.
Once your account has been given access, you will see the appropriate group in the Groups tab.