The Index to Marine and Lacustrine Geological Samples (IMLGS) interactive map is an easy, visually intuitive way to search for and download data gathered from seabed and lakebed geological samples collected worldwide. The purpose of this map viewer is to enable scientists to locate, obtain, and conduct new research on the existing physical samples underlying the digital data and archived at partner sample repositories. This tutorial explains how to use different tools and features within the interactive map to access data and metadata in the IMLGS database, as well as how to find the contact information of the sample repositories to request sample access.

Launch IMLGS Interactive Map Tool

Using the Interactive Map

The IMLGS interactive map has three distinct data access methods:

• Individual Sample: Click or tap a dot to view basic metadata about the sample and to access more information. (Figures 1, 2, and 3)
• Multiple Samples: Use the "Draw the area of interest tool" to select a group of samples. (Figures 4 and 5)
• Left-Side Control Panel: The IMLGS database can be searched using the left-side control panel. (Figures 6, 7, and 8)

The "Data and Information for Sample” page, where all sample data are found, can be accessed by each of these three methods. (Figure 9)

Accessing Individual Samples

Each dot on the map (Figure 1) represents the location where a marine or lacustrine sample was collected. Click or tap
a dot to view a pop-up with basic metadata and other information about the sample (Figure 2). By clicking the "More
Detail" link in the pop-up, you will be taken to the “Data and Information” page (Figure 3). 

 

 

Drawing an Area of Interest for Multiple Samples

To select a group of samples, use the "Draw the area of interest tool" to draw a 4-sided polygon around the samples you want to view (Figure 4). In this example, there are 95 samples within the area of interest. To access information about these samples, select the "Table View" button for a tabular view of these samples (Figure 5). You may need to scroll down on the left control panel to see the Table View button. Select a link in the "Sample/Hole Data Link" column to access the "Data and Information" page (Figure 3) for an individual sample.

Using the Left-Side Control Panel

You can also use the left-side control panel to search the IMLGS database (Figure 6). Use the upper panel to search for samples collected by a specific repository and other general metadata fields. Use the lower section of the panel to search for samples with specific geological sample attributes such as Lithographic Composition and Texture.

As you make selections on the panel, the map will update to show samples that match your search criteria. (Figure 7) Select the "Table View" button to view all your search results in a table (Figure 8). Select the links in the "Sample/Hole Data Link" column to access more detailed data and metadata in the "Data and Information" page for specific samples (Figure 9). You can also select individual samples or use the "Draw the Area of Interest" tool to refine your initial search.

Accessing Data from the "Data and Information" Page

All the data and information about a sample, as submitted to NCEI, are available from the "Data and Information" page. The top section of the page includes general metadata, and the bottom section includes geologically-specific descriptions.

You can export sample metadata and descriptions using the "Export Interval Data" feature. NCEI enables the user to access and download via links other associated sample data archived at NCEI (e.g., images, reports), and if applicable, NCEI will link to data and information maintained at the sample repository.

To access the sample for further research, select the link in the Repository field (in this example, Scripps Institution of Oceanography) to find the contact information for the repository’s Curator.

Detail of Images in Figure 9

• Image of Sample ARES05WT-015D, which can be accessed from the link "Sample photograph 1 at NCEI".
• Screenshot of the list of samples for cruise ARIES, which can be accessed from the link "ARIES data at NCEI".
• Screenshot of the NCEI Trackline Geophysical Data page for downloading the geophysical data associated with cruise ARIES, which can be accessed from the link ARIES Trackline Geophysics at NCEI.