Genomes as geography: using GIS technology to build interactive genome feature maps

Background: Many commonly used genome browsers display sequence annotations and related attributes as horizontal data tracks that can be toggled on and off according to user preferences. Most genome browsers use only simple keyword searches and limit the display of detailed annotations to one chromosomal region of the genome at a time. We have employed concepts, methodologies, and tools that were developed for the display of geographic data to develop a Genome Spatial Information System (GenoSIS) for displaying genomes spatially, and interacting with genome annotations and related attribute data. In contrast to the paradigm of horizontally stacked data tracks used by most genome browsers, GenoSIS uses the concept of registered spatial layers composed of spatial objects for integrated display of diverse data. In addition to basic keyword searches, GenoSIS supports complex queries, including spatial queries, and dynamically generates genome maps. Our adaptation of the geographic informa...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2006
• Where: BMCBI
• Authors: Mary E. Dolan, Constance C. Holden, M. Kate Beard, Carol J. Bult
• Keywords: BMCBI 2006, Genome, Genome Browsers, Spatial