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WebGRMS: Prototype software for web-based map** of biological collections

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Abstract

Biological collections are gaining recognition as priceless sources of information about the historic distribution and diversity of life. The Internet is emerging as the major venue for sharing biodiversity information since it supports globalization and broad-scale interoperability. This research demonstrates how a Web-based map** application for biological collections was developed using WebGD, an open-source software development tool, and illustrates how simple spatial analysis help collection users describe the range of ecogeographic variation in collections and customize the selection of accessions based on georeferenced variables. Our prototype can be viewed at http://www.yukon.een.orst.edu/ greene/ms_apps/home/index.htm. The demonstration site has three functional areas: (i) Query, (ii) Analyze Collections, and (iii) Add Data. The application was developed relatively quickly and at a low cost, since the complex workings for delivering GIS functions over the Web were an internal part of the WebGD framework. Because it was based on open-source code, costs were greatly decreased compared to commercially available software. In its current form, the prototype WebGRMS application provides users interested in Medicago and Trifolium germplasm with an innovative method to better understand the germplasm collections. More importantly, we hope the prototype provides a glimpse into the future of Web-based spatial analysis of biological collections.

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Abbreviations

ARS:

United States Agricultural Research Service

GARP:

Genetic Algorithm for Rule-Set Production

GBIF:

Global Biodiversity Information Facility

GIS:

geographic information systems

GRIN:

Germplasm Resources Information Network

NPGS:

National Plant Germplasm System

PGR:

Plant Genetic Resources

TSA:

The Species Analyst Project

USDA:

United States Department of Agriculture

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Acknowledgments

This research is supported in part by Web-GD tools developed from a grant in cooperation with the Yolo County Resource Conservation District through the CALFED Bay-Delta Restoration Project, Ecosystems Restoration Program (Contract #01-N25). Thanks to D. Arur, J. Sano, and A. Sharma who made significant programming contributions to the development of code used in the WebGRMS application. Thanks also to R. Hannan, A. Stoner, and J. Mowder for initial review of the concepts developed in WebGRMS and suggestions related to its implementation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Temperate Forage Legume Germplasm Resources Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, 24106 North Bunn Road, Prosser, WA, 99350, USA

    Stephanie L. Greene

  2. School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA

    Toshimi Minoura

  3. GWCC-BLTSVL, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville, MD, 20705-5140, USA

    Jeffrey J. Steiner

  4. Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Washington State University, Johnson Hall, Room 59, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA

    Gwen Pentacost

Authors
  1. Stephanie L. Greene
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  2. Toshimi Minoura
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  3. Jeffrey J. Steiner
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  4. Gwen Pentacost
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Correspondence to Stephanie L. Greene.

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Greene, S., Minoura, T., Steiner, J. et al. WebGRMS: Prototype software for web-based map** of biological collections. Biodivers Conserv 16, 2611–2625 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-006-9067-0

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