Symbiota - A virtual platform for creating voucher-based biodiversity information communities

Area of Science:

• Biodiversity Informatics
• Computational Biology
• Data Science

Background:

• Natural history collections generate vast amounts of specimen and observation data.
• Mobilizing and integrating this data is crucial for biodiversity research and conservation.
• Existing platforms may lack the flexibility or accessibility needed for diverse collaborations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the Symbiota software platform for creating biodiversity information portals.
• To highlight its role in fostering regional and taxonomic collaborations.
• To assess its utility for mobilizing, integrating, and utilizing biodiversity data.

Main Methods:

• Symbiota is a web-based platform employing a novel data model and algorithms.
• It mirrors traditional flora/fauna structures for intuitive data organization.
• Functionality emulates Content Management Systems with sophisticated user interfaces.

Main Results:

• Symbiota portals have become significant resources in North America and beyond.
• The platform facilitates dynamic customization and meaningful data access for various user levels.
• It provides robust data exchange capabilities and promotes collaboration with other projects.

Conclusions:

• Symbiota effectively supports the creation of specialized biodiversity information portals.
• It enhances data accessibility and usability for a wide range of users.
• The platform occupies a valuable niche in biodiversity informatics by fostering collaboration and data integration.