The goal is to overlay spatial diversity patterns for different species groups, searching for local hotspots and coldspots, regional overlap between different groups and global spatial gradients in marine diversity. In the end, we will produce global diversity maps that may be visualized as an atlas. We aim to integrate results from movement data and if possible, to add the dynamics of the spatial use of the ocean over time and seasons.

 Overlaying standardized species richness patterns for diverse animal groups enables description of taxon-specific and cross-taxa patterns as well as driving factors. The data are examined for overlap (hotspots) and disjunction (diversity peaks for some taxa but not others). Macro-ecological patterns such as latitudinal gradients can be compared and contrasted, and hypotheses generated as to what the underlying mechanisms are.