Goals and Tasks

The aim of this project is to provide researchers, teachers and the general public with online access to valuable biological collections. As a data management partner, GFBio e.V. coordinates and supports the storage and long-term archiving of the digitised data generated in the project. We are also developing a data portal with which the 3D and 2D data can be explored.

Background

Taxonomic collections around the world preserve a large number of specimens, including 50 million prepared insects in German museums for example. In taxonomic research, type specimens are particularly important as they are crucial for the definition of taxa. However, due to their importance for the biosciences, physical access to these specimens is very limited. To overcome these limitations, our project organises the digitisation of specimens and thus enables a new means of access to valuable collections.

To ensure high-quality visualization and explore advanced technology for large datasets, the collections utilize DISC3D, a specialized system for focus-stacking photogrammetry. For digitization they capture specimens from approximately 400 angles using high-resolution EDOF (extended depth of focus) images. These images are processed using photogrammetry software to generate precise, to-scale 3D models.

Our Contribution

As data management partner, GFBio e.V.

• facilitates transfer and storage of 2D and 3D data, as well as their metadata
• develops a data portal acting as central hub for interaction with and retrieval of these large datasets
• coordinates the long-term archival and publication of the data
• ensures interoperability with relevant national and international data infrastructures such as those in NFDI4Biodiversity.