Virtualizing Entomology Collection Student: Di Wang (Alan) Sponsors: John Marris: Curator, Entomology Research Museum Stuart Charters: Department of Applied Computing

What is entomology  is the scientific study of insects.  more than two-thirds of known organisms are insects.  many kinds of interactions with humans and other forms of life on earth.  Important for both biodiversity and biosecurity.

Lincoln Entomology Research Museum (ERM) Curator: John Marris Aim: Contribute to New Zealand biodiversity study provide taxonomic expertise and resources to Researchers Current Holding: Around 250,000 Specimens Around 50 HoloType Specimen

Majority use of data  Identify specimen’s species  Collection event and locality information  Geographic Spread of Species.  Description of species and references. Data stored in spreadsheets or word document Specimens stay in draws.

Solution Build a system that can manage and provide information about an Entomology Type Collection via a web interface for searching and web services to federate information with other Biodiversity Services Collection Database Input Web Browsing federate with other site

Approach  Investigated existing software  Identified Biota  Well used software in entomology  Built by researchers  Built using 4D  Recently Open sourced  High level architecture online database with web service

implementation  Use Biota as front end for input  Web services to publish externally  MySQL as database for W/S.  Sync MySQL with 4D database. 4D DBMySQL DB

Dreams do not always come true! Biota developed by a 4D ver6 old version, 10 years old. Code not match on current 4D v12. Massive errors on Biota’s source code need to fix PHP/MySQL integration with 4D Database was done by 3 rd party add-ons not very stable.

Alternative Plan  Use Biota’s Database structure and its workflow.  Build the functions that are most useful and needed in our web application.  federate information with other Biodiversity Services MySQL DBWeb App

Pro & Con of alternative Plan ProCon More flexibilityHave to rethink whole workflow Better integration between user interface and database More work on rebuild UI and logic tier Less DB management as no 4D DB needed Save time compare to fix all the issue with biota

Outcomes and future task DoneTo Do Customized database structure adapt for current needs and Biota users Import/Export to other data formats New UI and logic tier to manage Input and output records Allow system to support other collection disciplines, e.g. herbaria. Integrate with Biota’s data structure Build in image function for future imaging projects Complete federation with GBIF Authentication system Label print system

Benefits with Lincoln Web:  Publish information about LUERM Collection  Can easily access meta-data about specimen.  Related data is linked together  Improved data management system for museum curator  Work can be distributed to multiple web users with web access.  Speed up work process  Resource could contribute to global research

Questions? Thanks for your time