Missouri Botanical Garden Open Conference Systems, TDWG 2011 Annual Conference

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SYMBIOTA: Building Specimen-based Networks for Biodiversity Research
Mary E Barkworth, Edward Gilbert, Corinna Gries, Thomas Nash

Last modified: 2011-10-10

Abstract


SYMBIOTA is open source software designed to promote and facilitate collaboration among those working to document the biological diversity of a region. The specimen-based Content Management System provides a shared platform allowing researchers to manage biological resources as an integrated network. The purpose of the meeting is to learn about new tools currently in development, discuss modifications and/or additions that would further benefit users, and explore possibilities for collaboration in developing new resources and stable support. SYMBIOTA  provides tools for aggregating records from individual biological collections and making them accessible via the web. Data are stored in accordance with international standards and search results can be viewed as specimen lists, distribution maps, and dynamic species lists. In addition, SYMBIOTA can store and display observation records and images of living organisms. This last feature greatly enhances the appeal of SYMBIOTA-based portals because it enables the public to view organisms in a familiar guise, not just as corpses. Checklists, whether regional, local, or pre-defined (e.g., US noxious weeds), can be displayed as lists of names or of names and images. Information about individual taxa can be displayed as species pages that incorporate descriptions, images, and distribution maps.  Additionally, SYMBIOTA can provide dynamic identification keys. New capabilities currently being developed  include the ability to edit and add records online, incorporate OCR technology and duplicate discovery into data entry, print labels for herbarium specimens, implement crowdsourcing to improve data quality, and create tools that better integrate  voucher specimens with local floras and faunas. The meeting will provide an opportunity to learn more about these developments and discuss opportunities and priorities for further development.