collBook

collBook integrates born-digital field collection data from collNotes to refine records into standardized, database-ready specimen records and labels for digitized natural history collections.

Key Features:

• Born-Digital Workflow Integration: Supports born-digital workflows with collNotes to enable direct integration of field-collected data into digital collections without manual transcription of specimen labels.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Runs on Linux, OS X, and Windows.
• Reverse Geocoding of Localities: Converts geographic coordinates into place names to enhance locality precision.
• Taxonomic Alignments: Aligns taxonomic information with current standards to maintain consistency in biodiversity databases.
• Customizable Specimen Labels: Produces specimen labels with options including catalog number barcodes for specimen tracking and label production.
• Open Source and Interoperability: collBook (and collNotes) are open-source and use common file types to facilitate integration with existing data workflows.

Scientific Applications:

• Voucher specimen digitization for plants and fungi: Refines field notes into database-ready voucher records for botanical and mycological research.
• Biodiversity, ecological monitoring, and conservation: Generates high-quality digital specimen records to support biodiversity studies, ecological monitoring, and conservation efforts.

Methodology:

Data collection using collNotes on Android or iOS devices that can operate without cellular service, followed by transfer of the collected data to collBook for refinement into standardized formats suitable for database integration and label production.