Use of CartograTree to Explore Forest Tree Genomes, Phenotypes, and Environment

The CartograTree web application enables a variety of analysis including phylogenetics, population structure, and association studies. Our goal with CartograTree is to provide an integrated web-based workspace that connects environmental, genomic, and phenotypic data from around the world, using geo-referenced coordinates.  To accomplish this goal, we utilize GoogleMaps technology for visualization and implement user-friendly features, such as data filtering and spreadsheet functionality. The application also uses Simple Semantic Web Architecture and Protocol (SSWAP), developed at the iPlant Collaborative, to enable communication with semantic web services and engagement of high performance computing (HPC) resources. This project has established collaboration with data providers such as AmeriFlux, WorldClim, TreeGenes, and TRY-DB. To date, CartograTree stores data on 368 species including approximately 89,000 phenotypes, 470,000 sequences, and 10 million genotypes from the TreeGenes genomics database and TRY-DB trait repository. As for environmental data, Ameriflux provides 81 sites with 4,500 records and WorldClim has an interpolated dataset in raster format for geographic information systems (GIS) use. CartograTree uses this data to calculate environmental metrics at any point on the globe. The CartograTree application provides a unique tool set to facilitate research on the ecology, physiology, and evolution of forest tree species.  During the computer demonstration, the major features of CartograTree including searching, filtering, applying custom pipelines, viewing data, enabling map layers, and more will be introduced so that attendees can better use the application to its full potential.  Access CartograTree at: http://dendrome.ucdavis.edu/cartogratree.