Atlas adds another layer

The Allen Coral Atlas continues to increase its capabilities to be an even more powerful tool for coral scientists and policy makers. Alongside development of additional detailed maps - with one scheduled to be completed by the end of May - the Allen Coral Atlas team is continuing to build partnerships and data sharing agreements that make the Atlas more robust.

On March 13, the Allen Coral Atlas integrated Coral Reef Watch data on sea temperature trends from NOAA, allowing Atlas users to add sea temperature visualizations on demand. This enhanced capability provides researchers a new ability to track sea temperature trends to more closely approximate potential bleaching events - and activate proactive responses when possible.

The Atlas will continue to add features and capabilities as the entire global mosaic is completed in the next two years.

The Allen Coral Atlas fills a significant data gap in mapping and monitoring the world’s shallow coral reefs, enabling coral scientists, reef managers, NGOs and lawmakers to make necessary and efficient decisions to give coral reefs a fighting chance. Named for Paul G. Allen in recognition of Vulcan’s role in bringing the Atlas to life and his overall commitment to filling data gaps related to ocean health, the Allen Coral Atlas will provide the first regularly updated high resolution satellite images of the world’s coral reefs. Visit Allencoralatlas.org to explore the Atlas yourself.

Note: To find the Coral Reef Watch data layers in main Atlas application here: https://allencoralatlas.org/atlas/ Click the “Coral Reef Watch” toggle switch and which of the 6 specific types of data you’d like to see.