Tools
Learning Center
Biodiversity research is a constantly evolving field of science, and scientists are continuously looking for knowledge and skills for the analysis of biocollections data to advance the understanding of the natural world. iDigBio can offer professional training opportunities through workshops, webinars and conferences. Here we outline some tutorials and workshop lessons and webinars already available that you might find useful for biodiversity data research.
Software Carpentry: an iDigBio staff perspective
Ever wondered where to start with analyzing a large biodiversity data set you've downloaded from iDigBio's portal or the iDigBio API? Wondering what software tools are available for cleaning your collections dataset or running some interesting queries? Finding a local Software Carpentry course is an excellent first step.
iDigBio at BIS-TDWG 2014: some digitization, crowd-sourcing, and data use too
by Deb Paul, with Libby Ellwood and Greg Riccardi as Eds.
iDigBio Collaborations Enabling Research
To facilitate the study of biodiversity, a number of software products are being collaboratively developed with researchers and projects. These websites, tools, and workflows take advantage of the data being digitized at US and global institutions and made available by iDigBio through our data services. Many other tools and services can be found through the Biodiversity Catalogue.
Biological Collections Databases, Tools, and Data Publication Portals
Launching a biological collections digitization program requires careful selection of a database management system, portal option, aggregator, and associated data enrichment tools. Numerous database systems, data publication portals, and other productivity tools are in use across the collections community, all of which vary in cost, installation requirements, storage methods, approaches to data processing, and other important features. iDigBio has begun the process of reviewing the various systems, tools, and data portals in current use, with the goal of building an annotated list of available products. Our reviews include brief descriptions of features, installation and maintenance requirements, cost, ease of use, and other components that collections managers might find useful when evaluating them for fitness. We include a wide range of products in the list, each of which fits one or more categories as denoted in the parenthetical entries immediately below the product name.
iDigBio Botany 2012 Digitization Workshop - Open Registration
Registration is open for the Specimen Digitization Tools and Practices Workshop at the Botany 2012 Conference. The workshop will introduce current and future biological and paleontological specimen collections staff to resources and workflows that can lead to greater efficiencies in the digitization of their collections. The workshop will be held from 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM on Thursday, July 12, the day after the conference at the conference facility. Note: you do NOT have to attend the conference to attend the workshop.
Workshop for Developing Robust Object to Image to Data (DROID) Workflows
It is our pleasure to announce the Developing Robust Object to Image to Data Workflows (DROID) Workshop to be held at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. The workshop is designed to identify existing optimal digitization workflows, as well as process and technology gaps that must be bridged in order to achieve the scope of digitization required to meet the Grand Challenge. The workshop is co-sponsored by Integrated Digitized Biocollections (iDigBio) and Software Infrastructure for Sustained Innovation (S2I2). It will be held on May 30th and May 31st. Additional details may be obtained from the workshop overview.
Up to five participant slots are available for applicants. Accepted participants will be provided with travel, lodging and meals to attend the workshop.
Workshop and Symposium at Botany 2012
It is our pleasure to announce the Specimen Digitization Tools and Practices Workshop at the Botany 2012 Conference. The workshop is designed to introduce current and future biological and paleontological specimen collections staff to resources and workflows that can lead to greater efficiencies in the digitization of their collections. The workshop is organized by iDigBio, the National Resource for Advancing Digitization of Biological Collections. It will be held from 8:00AM – 5:00PM on Thursday, July 12, the day after the conference at the conference facility. A dinner for workshop participants will follow.
New Resources from iDigBio
The iDigBio team plans regular Blog and Wiki contributions that provide useful resources to TCNs and others who are in the process of imaging and databasing biological collections. The newest contributions, available now, include a blog post outlining important global issues and decision points to be resolved prior to initiating an imaging project, and three new glossaries that provide definitions of tools, projects and organizations, and terms important to the digitization effort. The glossaries are posted on the iDigBio wiki and are editable by registered users. Our intent is for the biological collections community to enhance these glossaries by making regular additions and contributions.
