Species distribution models (SDMs) are tools that combine species observations of occurrence, abundance, or biomass with environmental variables to predict the distribution of a species in unsampled locations. To produce accurate predictions of occurrence, abundance or biomass distribution, a wide range of physical and/or biological variables is desirable. Such data is often collected over limited or irregular spatial scales, and require the application of geospatial techniques to produce continuous environmental surfaces that can be used for modelling at all spatial scales. Here we provide a review of 102 environmental data layers that were compiled for the entire spatial extent of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) Maritimes Region. Variables were obtained from a broad range of physical and biological data sources and spatially interpolated using geostatistical methods. For each variable we document the underlying data distribution, provide relevant diagnostics of the interpolation models and an assessment of model performance, and present the final standard error and interpolation surfaces. These layers have been archived in a common (raster) format at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography to facilitate future use. Based on the diagnostic summaries in this report, a subset of these variables has subsequently been used in species distribution models to predict the distribution of deep-water corals, sponges, and other significant benthic taxa in the Maritimes Region.Cite this data as: Beazley, Lindsay; Guijarro, Javier, Lirette; Camille; Wang, Zeliang; Kenchington, Ellen (2020). Characteristics of Environmental Data Layers for Use in Species Distribution Modelling in the Maritimes Region. Published July 2023. Ocean Ecosystems Science Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, N.S. https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/34a917cb-a0e3-403c-91c7-af3dc20628b1

A Range Unit is an administrative area established to assist in the management of the range program. Typically made up of one or more pastures. Generally, one or more Range Units make up a Stock Range

A Stock Range is an administrative area established to coincide with local livestock association areas. Generally, stock ranges are made up of one or more range units. Stock ranges are found in select areas of the province where applicable; not all areas of the province contain stock ranges

The Forest Reserve Range Distribution Units dataset represent the functional grazing management areas within the Rocky Mountains Forest Reserve. Boundaries of the allotments and/or distribution units may be defined by fencelines, height of land, natural boundaries, and/or a combination of these. This is currently the most accurate representation of the distribution unit boundary and is subject to change. In some cases these boundaries may extend beyond the boundary of the Rocky Mountains Forest Reserve. In these cases this is a representation of the management unit as a whole.

The Species at Risk (SAR) Program is responsible for carrying out DFO’s mandate under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) to protect, recover and conserve all listed aquatic SAR in Canada. As part of this mandate, this spatial database has been developed to identify areas in which aquatic species listed under SARA may be found.Distribution and range information are identified for species listed as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern under SARA.Distribution (range) polygons and lines were assembled by regional SARA biologists using the best available information, including COSEWIC status reports, recovery potential assessments, academic literature, and expert opinion. These spatial data support the protection, recovery and conservation of species listed as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern under SARA. Species distributions are also described and displayed in Recovery Strategies, Action Plans and/or Management Plans. Discrepancies may exist between the distribution data shown in a species’ SARA recovery document and the current spatial data. Please contact DFO for more information on any data discrepancies.

This layer represents the Harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) distribution. During the summer, the Harp seal is in Arctic and it migrates south of its distribution range during the fall. It migrates back to the Arctic after the moulting period which occurs in April and May.Reference:DFO. 2020. 2019 Status of Northwest Atlantic Harp Seals, Pagophilus groenlandicus. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2020/020.

Historic placer mining areas in Yukon can be grouped into ten areas: Klondike; Sixtymile; Fortymile; Clear Creek; Moosehorn Range; Stewart River; Whitehorse South; Mayo; Dawson Range and Livingstone Creek. Each area has its own geomorphic setting and depositional history which is related to its glacial history. Several Quaternary glacial advances have been described in Yukon, and these are generally divided into three episodes, commonly known as the pre-Reid, Reid and McConnell, in order of oldest to most recent.Distributed from [GeoYukon](https://yukon.ca/geoyukon) by the [Government of Yukon](https://yukon.ca/maps) . Discover more digital map data and interactive maps from Yukon's digital map data collection.For more information: [geomatics.help@yukon.ca](mailto:geomatics.help@yukon.ca)

An Ungulate Winter Range (UWR) is defined as an area that contains habitat that is necessary to meet the winter habitat requirements of an ungulate species. UWRs are based on current understanding of ungulate habitat requirements in winter, as interpreted by FLNR regional staff from current scientific and management literature, local knowledge, and other expertise from the region. UWRs within this set of data are currently in the review and consultation stage of the area designation process. As UWRs are designated they will be moved into the [Approved Ungulate Winter Range](http://catalogue.data.gov.bc.ca/dataset/ungulate-winter-range) dataset.

A Range Pasture is a grazing area enclosed and separated from other areas by fencing or other barriers (e.g. Natural Range Barrier). May be the management unit of grazing land as reflected in a Range Use Plan. Range Pastures are administrative and not legal boundaries.

The DND Air Weapons Range dataset is comprised of all the polygons that represent the Air Weapons Range established by the Department of National Defence, Government of Canada, within the Province of Alberta. Air Weapons Range is the area used as a practice and firing range with restricted access provisions and which is owned and operated by the Department of National Defence, Government of Canada.