Abstract Detail

Digitized natural history collections records in traditional research, collaborative research, and big data research

Gries, Corinna [1], SOLTIS, PAMELA S. [2].

Digitized natural history collections records in traditional research, collaborative research, and big data research.

Supported by the NSF ADBC program natural history collections of some taxonomic groups are currently being digitized at a rapid rate and digitally available records are reaching a critical mass to impact advanced research applications. By joining an already sizeable body of digital primary biodiversity records these data will contribute to the fact that biodiversity research is becoming a data intensive science and for those taxonomic groups many of the current limitations may be overcome. However, traditional small scale research questions are also benefitting and the quality of results may be improved dramatically by bringing these ‘dark’ data into open and easy access. As outlined by the recent survey of GBIF users, these data are mainly used in taxonomy, species diversity and populations, biogeography studies, endangered, migratory and invasive species, and ecology, evolution and genetics research, at large and small scales.
The current approach to establishing ‘Thematic Collections Networks’ within the NSF ADBC program not only advances open and easy access to primary biodiversity data, it can also address  the concern of data quality and ‘fitness for use’ most effectively. The web-portals being developed with a thematic or taxonomic definition promote community development and collaboration, both of which are the best means to address data quality at this large scale.
We are proposing a symposium to explore how this growing resource of digital primary biodiversity data has been used by the community. We are planning presentations on how this resource improves traditional research, new research question that can be addressed, its impacts on community building and research collaborations, what is still missing and how do other existing or emerging digital resources (e.g. DataONE, NEON, EOL and tools like the PhyloJIVE ) interact, support, and enhanced this research.

Related Links:
DataONE
NEON
EOL
iDigBio

1 - University of Wisconsin, Center for Limnology, 680 North Park Street, Madsion, WI, 53706, USA
2 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural History, PO BOX 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7800, USA, 352/273-1964

Keywords:
Biodiversity Informatics
Specimen based research
Digitization
iDigBio
NEON
DataONE.

Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: SY05
Location: Snake/Boise Centre
Date: Tuesday, July 29th, 2014
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: SY05SUM
Abstract ID:34
Candidate for Awards:None