| Abstract Detail
Conference Wide Kirchoff, Bruce [1]. Best Practices for Image use in Keys and Guides. Although illustrations have played an important role in identification keys and guides since the 18th century, their use has varied widely. Some keys lack all illustrations, while others are heavily illustrated. Even within illustrated keys and guides the way in which images are used varies considerably. During this workshop we will review image use in selected keys and guides, and present a set of suggested best practices for image use. The best keys and guides use multiple standardized images, displayed at sizes that are easy to see, and arranged in a standardized manner so that similar images can be compared across species. It is not possible to form an adequate taxonomic concept from a single photograph. The failure to use multiple images for each species is the most common shortcoming of illustrated keys and guides. Illustrated keys and glossaries should contain multiple images for each character state so that the user can judge variation in the state. When used in glossaries, a single drawing is best used to illustrate several terms, and each term is best illustrated with several drawings. Scale bars should be used with discretion. They are not needed on every illustration and, when used indiscriminately, can distract the user's attention from the salient features. Iconic symbols and colored marginal bands can make the key easier to use, and should be used where appropriate. Broader Impacts:
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1 - University Of North Carolina At Greensboro, Department Of Biology, PO BOX 26170, GREENSBORO, NC, 27402-6170, USA
Keywords:
none specified
Presentation Type: Workshop
Session: WS05
Location: Plaza Room/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Sunday, July 10th, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM
Number: WS05001
Abstract ID:1061 |
