Appendix B — mapsp — Species Distribution Viewer
B.1 Overview
The mapsp application (shiny.marinesensitivity.org/mapsp) enables exploration of individual species distribution models within the MST database. Users can view merged and source-level models, compare masked vs. unmasked distributions, and access detailed species regulatory status information.
Figure B.1 shows the merged distribution model for the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). The map displays cell values from 1 (low suitability, blue) to 100 (high suitability, red) across all US program areas where the species occurs.
B.2 Features
B.2.1 Species Selection
- Search: find species by common name or scientific name
- Category filter: narrow results by species category (bird, coral, fish, invertebrate, mammal, reptile/turtle)
- Alphabetical browsing: scroll through species lists within each category
B.2.2 Model Display
- Merged model: the final merged distribution showing MAX values across all source datasets, with masking and spatial floors applied
- Source datasets: toggle individual source layers (AquaMaps, NMFS CH, FWS CH, FWS Range, BirdLife, IUCN Range) to see each dataset’s contribution
- IUCN masking toggle: compare the unmasked AquaMaps SDM with the masked merged model to visualize the effect of range constraints
B.2.3 Species Info Panel
Detailed information for the selected species:
- Scientific name and common name
- Species category (bird, fish, mammal, etc.)
- ESA listing status (Endangered, Threatened, or not listed)
- IUCN Red List category
- MMPA protection flag
- MBTA protection flag
- Computed extinction risk score (1–100)
- Number of source datasets contributing to the merged model
B.2.4 Deep-Linking
The application supports URL parameters for direct linking to specific species, enabling bookmarking and sharing of specific views:
https://shiny.marinesensitivity.org/mapsp/?species=Balaenoptera+musculusB.3 Generating Screenshots
B.4 Source Code
The application source code is at: apps/mapsp/app.R