Accessing the Data (Open Access)

Owned by Jonas Van Duijvenbode
Last updated: yesterday at 10:13 am
2 min read

Forest Foresight offers an open access option for users who require ready-to-use deforestation predictions. This approach is designed to be user-friendly and flexible, catering to a wide range of needs and technical capabilities. The open access method is implemented in two distinct ways:

Direct Download from AWS S3 Bucket Data Repository

This option is ideal for users who need bulk data or want to integrate Forest Foresight predictions into their own workflows.

Key features:

  • Data Format: Predictions are available in GeoTIFF format, an open GIS standard

  • Storage: All prediction data is stored in an Amazon Web Services (AWS) S3 bucket

  • Access: Users can directly download files from the S3 bucket

  • Coverage: Typically includes predictions for entire regions or countries

  • Updates: The bucket is regularly updated with the latest prediction data

  • Suitable for: GIS professionals, researchers, and users comfortable with handling geospatial data

Benefits:

  • Full control over data processing

  • Ability to easily incorporate predictions into existing GIS workflows

  • Access to large-scale, comprehensive datasets

Web Interface for Custom Area Analysis Web Interface

This option provides a more user-friendly approach for those who need predictions for specific areas of interest.

Access Point: http://forestforesight-wwf.shinyapps.io/interface_forestforesight/

Process:

  1. Users visit the web interface

  2. Upload a spatial shape file defining their area of interest

  3. The system processes the request and retrieves predictions for the specified area

  4. Users can then download the results in their preferred format

Output Options:

  • PDF: For easy viewing and sharing of results

  • Vector Format: For further analysis in GIS software

  • Raster Format: For detailed pixel-based analysis

Benefits:

  • User-friendly interface requiring no specialized GIS knowledge

  • Ability to focus on specific areas of interest

  • Flexible output formats to suit different needs and expertise levels

  • Ideal for quick analyses or for users without access to advanced GIS tools

Both these open access methods ensure that Forest Foresight's powerful deforestation predictions are widely available and easily accessible. Whether users need comprehensive datasets for large-scale analysis or quick insights for specific areas, the open access approach provides the flexibility to meet diverse requirements.

This dual approach to open access embodies Forest Foresight's commitment to making critical deforestation data available to a wide range of stakeholders, from individual researchers to large organizations, supporting broader efforts in forest conservation and sustainable land management.