How to Digitize Large Insect Collections? Preliminary Results of the Dig Project

In practice the overall efficiency of data-basing the inventory of traditional entomological collections depends on two factors: suitable software and management measures to ensure the hightest possible data quality already in the input process. Lessons learned from the development of the specimen-based database BIODAT and preliminary results of the DIG-(Digitization of key Insect groups at ZFMK) project, which is especially designed to develop a 'good practice', recommend: (1) a lockstep programme for data-basing, (2) data entry of collection units & split record function, (3) visualisation of georeferenced location/sites during data entry, (4) semi-automatic/automatic data transformation from original format into additional alternative ones, (5) semiautomatic data transfer of taxa- and geo-referenced information units. Current activities deal with the introduction of semantic feedback mechanisms into the practice of data-basing entomological collections.