INOTAXA ('INtegrated Open TAXonomic Access') is a web workspace in which taxonomic descriptions, identification keys, catalogues, names, specimen data, images and other resources can be accessed simultaneously according to user-defined needs. It will allow access to data held in multiple servers, and will use a distributed data model. If, in the future, the various nomenclatural Codes permit web publication of new taxonomic names and acts, INOTAXA will be able to integrate single descriptions placed on servers worldwide, so long as they are indexed through a registry such as operated by GBIF. INOTAXA is built on an XML schema, taXMLit, that is interoperable with similar data from other sources (e.g., taxonomic names, concepts and specimens). INOTAXA is working with TDWG to ensure that standard schemas are used. These will allow external interoperability with GBIF and access to GBIF-mediated data. INOTAXA is also working with ZooBank, and has the potential to serve data in the format required to submit data directly. INOTAXA will provide seamless access from the content to other systems, including GBIF, TROPICOS and Flora Mesoamericana. In this pilot site, there are only limited data sources (Sharp & Champion 1889-1911, Biologia Centrali-Americana (BCA), Coleoptera Volume 4, Part 3 and Hamilton, 2007, Omolabus Jekel in north and central America (Coleoptera: Attelabidae)). These works overlap taxonomically and, in addition, specimen data and some images from the Natural History Museum (London) have been added for some taxa, including all of those which overlap. A gazetteer of insect localities from the BCA has also been included. This pilot has only part of the functionality planned for INOTAXA. Currently that means only simple search functionality, although screens have been 'mocked up' with real data to show the functionality planned for development by June 2008. Future plans will soon be available at www.inotaxa.org. ... [Information of the supplier]
Standards for the description and exchange of biodiversity information help promote research, support decision-making for conservation and planning, and provide a means of communicating observations by both professional and citizen scientists across taxa and political boundaries. TDWG standards are an integral foundation of the largest biodiversity information sources, but given the wealth and diversity of information collected for plants, animals, and fossils, the need remains to extend and refine the concepts required to achieve greater integration for the discovery of knowledge and its use in biodiversity conservation. This year, TDWG is focusing its annual meeting not only on supporting research, decision making, and communication of biodiversity information, but also on how standards can support innovative research. Scientific innovations often "stand on the shoulders of giants," but they can also be disruptive -- causing major changes in the way that science works. To what extent do our standards promote innovation, and does the most innovative research show us where our standards need to be refined and extended? Current research both in Computer Science (e.g., deep learning, computer vision, ambient computing) and Biodiversity Sciences offers excellent opportunities for multidisciplinary innovative synergies among researchers, decision makers, students, and citizen scientists. ... [Information of the supplier]
