Welcome to the BSBI's Distribution Database
The BSBI's database provides access to the millions of botanical records collated by the society. The data is used to generate the distribution maps on our website and the underlying detailed records can be made available for academic research and other specialist uses. The database includes records from diverse sources but the vast majority of records come from the BSBI’s network of county recorders, local groups and taxonomic experts.
Requests for access
The DDb is primarily intended as a research tool for county-recorders, referees and other specialist users.
Please note that we do not normally provide direct database access to private individuals for personal use, instead the public BSBI maps on our website provide a summarised view of the same data. Public-access county or grid-square (at up to 2km precision) species lists are also freely available. If you think that access to the DDb would be useful to you to help with local recording then please discuss this with your local BSBI county recorder, who may be able to arrange for you to have personal access to the database.
Requests for access using the registration form will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Kevin Walker in the first instance if you have any queries about obtaining access.
In the event that full access cannot be granted, we may be able to provide an export of the data relevant to your work, or be able to suggest alternative sources of data.
Key features
- Detailed records
- The DDb retains and makes accessible records at the resolution at which they were recorded or submitted (i.e. full resolution).
- Maps
- Zoomable maps up to 100m square resolution for registered users (2km square precision for open public access).
- Reporting tools
- The system allows a range of queries to be run, from basic searches to advanced interrogation of the data
- Data validation
- The database provides automated validity checks for records highlighting many simple problems and highlighting anomalous records. Detailed verification of the data is undertaken by the BSBI’s county-recorders and taxon referees. The database provides online tools to mark the validity of records and to make corrections.
- Data integration
- The database accepts and fully integrates records from a diverse range of sources and formats, including regular automatic updates from MapMate. Stored records retain the full details of the original.