Overview of the four EMODnet R geospatial tutorials (© EMODnet Biology)
The increasing availability of marine data through the EMODnet service and expert network provides major opportunities for research, environmental assessment, and evidence-based marine management. However, data users frequently face barriers in accessing, integrating, and analysing these heterogeneous datasets. This remains a particular challenge for users with limited experience in geospatial data handling and web service technologies.
To address these challenges, the EMODnet Biology has developed a series of four reproducible R tutorials designed to facilitate programmatic access to marine biological and environmental data through standardised web services. These tutorials leverage Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)-compliant services, specifically Web Feature Services (WFS) for vector data and Web Coverage Services (WCS) for raster data, which are implemented across EMODnet thematics, and demonstrate the use of two dedicated R packages, emodnet.wfs and emodnet.wcs, which provide streamlined interfaces for querying and retrieving data directly from the EMODnet thematic service endpoints. The emodnet.wfs package enables users to access vector datasets such as species occurrences, habitat boundaries, and human activity layers through spatial and attribute-based queries. The emodnet.wcs package supports the retrieval of multidimensional raster datasets, allowing users to request spatial subsets, define resolution, and extract gridded variables such as bathymetry and environmental conditions.
The four tutorials follow a progressive structure from introductory to more advanced workflows. They cover vector data access, raster data handling, the integration of both data types, and the combination of EMODnet data with external sources, including the Copernicus Marine Service and biological trait databases. The tutorial series is complemented by a geospatial concepts page that provides foundational guidance on core geospatial concepts, spatial data formats, standards, and software, helping to lower the entry barrier for users new to marine spatial analysis.
All tutorials are fully reproducible and rely on the R ecosystem for spatial and data analysis, enabling users to adapt workflows to their own research questions. By leveraging web services rather than static data downloads, these approaches promote efficient data access and ensure interaction with up-to-date datasets.
Overall, these tutorials aim to lower technical barriers and support the uptake and effective use of EMODnet data in research, conservation, and marine management