| Title | SPNHC 2014: Progress in Digitization: The virtually browseable collection: connecting GIS to whole drawer imaging |
| Publication Type | Presentation |
| Year of Publication | 2014 |
| Authors | Molineux, Ann, Burroughs Robert W., and Geigerman Faye |
| Keywords | accessibility, digitization, education, GIS map, Specify, SPNHC 2014, SPNHC 2014: Progress in Digitization, whole drawer imaging |
| Abstract | Accessibility is one of the most problematic aspects of offsite storage for collections. This project approaches that issue by creating virtual access to a large collection stored 8 miles from the main institution. To create virtual access, we used two elements that already exist for our collection. A GIS map of all cabinets in the repository and a Specify 6 database of records, which relates the specimens in those cabinets to their spatial locations. We combined database and spatial data using ArcGIS Online, because it has cross-platform compatibility. We related a third aspect, drawer and specimen images that are linked to the specimen records and can be viewed alongside the data and spatial records.
Our final result is an online resource that allows the user to virtually examine the collection, query a database file and view the drawer content, individual specimens, and label images when they exist. This product is useful for researchers, teachers and the general public. The latter group is important from an educational stand point but also because many of the collections were amassed using public funds. It fulfills an additional role in that it is a time stamp marker for each drawer. What was located in that drawer, what was its condition? Over time additional images of drawers will be taken providing an archival record of their content and condition.
|
| URL | https://www.idigbio.org/sites/default/files/workshop-presentations/spnhc2014/13_Molineux-SPNHC2014-The%20virtually%20browseable%20collection.pdf |
