Corema

This survey presents some of the key features in Corema.

Flexibility

• The system is scalable from single user installations to large multi-user environments.
• Multiple collection types (e.g. preserved, living and DNA material) can be handled in the same database, sharing taxonomy, locations, etc.
• Installation is easy and usually requires no technical support.

User interface

• The user interface and data entry are easy to use for any user familiar with Windows.
• A flexible and feature rich data search functionality is found in all parts of the system.
• Full support for multi-language character sets (Unicode).

Database

• The data is stored in relational databases (SQL) with full data integrity, variable field lengths and efficient use of disk space.
• An unlimited number of records can be stored in any part of the system.
• Data quality is ensured through a robust data model, comprehensive validation rules and referential integrity in the database.
• The data can easily be made available to third party tools for extraction or analyses.
• Popular databases such as Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft SQL Azure and MySQL are supported. We will add support for other databases on request.

Accessions

• Accessions have information about the source of the material, geographic locality, collector, determination history, type status, etc. In addition, user defined properties are available.
• An accession can have an unlimited number of items, belonging to the same or different types of material (e.g. living, herbarium or DNA material).
• For each item, information can be recorded about location, condition, number of specimens, label type, map coordinates, etc.
• A complete chronological history of changes to an item is kept automatically.
• An unlimited number of images of an accession can be stored.

Taxonomy and nomenclature

• Taxa have information about scientific names, common names, distribution, habitat, life form, parentage of hybrids, etc. In addition, user defined properties are available.
• A taxon name can be designated as the valid name or as a synonym (homotypic or heterotypic).
• A flexible tree of allowed taxonomic ranks can be changed or extended according to the needs.
• The nomenclature and correct spelling of a name can be checked against the IPNI database.
• All name changes are reflected automatically throughout the system.
• Author names are validated against the list of approved names to ensure a correct citation.
• Literature references both to publications and web pages can be given.
• An unlimited number of images related to each taxon can be stored.

Reports, labels, data export and import

• A comprehensive set of reports, labels and data exports is included in the system with numerous possibilities for selection and sorting.
• New reports, labels or data exports can be created by the user, based on the standard ones.
• The data exports can be made in various formats (xlsx, xls, pdf, csv, html, etc.) or in standard xml-formats such as Darwin Core.
• Data can be imported from text files (csv, tsv).
• Use of barcodes and QR-codes is supported.

Maps

• Interactive maps of accession localities are integrated and easily accessible.
• Numerous map types and markers are supported, such as Bing maps, Yahoo maps, Open Street map and Arc GIS.

Configurations

• User defined code tables and configurations. The system comes with a range of predefined codes that can be changed to suit the needs of the collection.
• User defined properties for Accessions and Taxa.

Security

• Security and access rights are managed through user accounts and user roles.
• All parts of the system have control of access and data entry privileges.

Internet publishing

• Publishing data to a web-based search and presentation module is an integrated part of the system.
• The published data includes taxa, accessions, locations, images and maps.
• The web module can be used from a standard browser or cell phone by the public as well as the staff.