Collection Object Types

[Grant]

Overview

The introduction of Collection Object Types (COT) in Specify 7 significantly enhances the management of diverse collection objects within a single collection. This feature allows users to define multiple types of collection objects, each with its own unique attributes and taxonomic trees. This capability overcomes previous limitations in managing various materials within a single collection. It also provides new opportunities for collections that include diverse materials cataloged together.

Why Use Collection Object Types?

The ability to manage various collection object types was introduced to solve several key problems:

1. Enhanced Flexibility: Users can now manage different types of collection objects (e.g., Fossils, Rocks, Meteorites) within the same collection, allowing for better organization and tracking.
2. Multiple Taxon Trees: If managing two taxonomy trees within a single collection is necessary, COTs offer a way to ensure that the appropriate taxonomy is linked only to objects of a specific type.
3. Improved Querying: Users can filter queries based on specific object types, enabling more precise searches and data retrieval.
4. Standardized Cataloging: COT allows for standardized cataloging, promoting consistency across collections.

Key Features

1. Taxon Trees Management

• Create and Share Taxon Trees: Users can create new taxon trees specific to a particular object type or share them among multiple types within a collection. This functionality allows for tailored taxonomic classifications that meet the specific needs of different collection objects.
• Single Query Across All Taxon Trees: Queries will allow you to search across all taxon trees associated with different object types within a single query. The ranks from all trees will be displayed in one list, simplifying the search process.

2. Filtering Queries by Object Type

Users can filter queries to return records for a specific type of object, or they can choose to return results for multiple types simultaneously. This capability enhances the user’s ability to analyze data relevant to specific research needs.

How to Use COT

Setting Up Collection Object Types

Add COTs to your collection and discipline

Note: To learn more about form editing, form definitions, view definitions, and corresponding terminology, please review Editing Forms in Specify 7.

1. Navigate to the Form Meta Menu on the Collection Object (CO) form
2. Click on Form Definition
3. Click Edit Form Definition to navigate directly to the CO view definition
4. Add the following lines to an existing row, or create a new row and add the lines there:

   <cell type="label" labelfor="COT"/>
   <cell type="field" id="COT" name="collectionObjectType" uitype="combobox" colspan="3"/>
   

5. Click Save
6. Navigate to the CO form
7. See that there is now the “Collection Object Type” pick list on the form
8. Navigate to Schema Config from the User Tools menu
9. Select the appropriate language and then select Collection Object
10. Select the field collectionObjectType under the “Relationships” subheading
11. Uncheck the “Hide Field” checkbox for collectionObjectType
    
    
12. Click Save and now it should appear in both the Query Builder and the WorkBench.

COT Creation

1. Create a New Collection Object Type:

   
   • Create a new record in the ‘Collection Object Type’ table (via the data entry table list or direct URL (i.e. /specify/view/collectionobjecttype/new/)
   • Enter the name of the object type (e.g., “Fossil”).
   • Link it to the appropriate Taxon tree.

2. Assigning Object Types:

   • When creating or editing a Collection Object, select the relevant CollectionObjectType from a pick list.
   • This selection will determine the taxonomic tree used for the determination process.

Querying with Collection Object Types

1. Building Queries:

   • Use the query builder to create new queries.
   • You can filter results based on the selected COT or you can choose to view results across multiple types by not filtering to a particular type in your query.
   • The query builder will display all tree ranks across all linked taxon trees, enabling comprehensive searches.

2. Creating Determinations:

   • When creating a new determination for a Collection Object, the taxa you can look up will be restricted to those associated with the selected CollectionObjectType and its linked taxon tree.
   • For example, if you are cataloging a “Vascular Plant” COT, the determination will only return taxa from the Vascular Plant taxon tree, even if other trees exist within the same collection.

The introduction of Collection Object Types in Specify 7 revolutionizes how users manage and query collection objects. By providing the ability to define distinct object types, create and share taxon trees, and filter queries effectively, users can streamline their cataloging processes and enhance their research capabilities.