Diversity Collection

Grids

To edit the data in a data grid, select Grid mode for the specimen , the organisms , the parts , the images the collection events or the collection event series from the menu. A window will open where each dataset from the query result list is represented in a single line for a specimen, an organism, a CollectionEvent or a CollectionEventSeries respectively. Please note that in this view, only a limited part of the data is visible. For example, only the most recent identification of an organism is displayed. This is shown in the image below, where two organisms (marked with red arrows) are not visible in the grid view because only the latest identification per organism is shown.

When using grid mode for organisms, all organisms will appear, but only with their most recent identification.

Customise column headers

The names of the columns can be changed using the database description.

Customise fiel visibility

The selection of the visible fields can be adjusted in the tree above the list. Change the selection of the columns and click on the Set columns button.

Customise column width and sequence

To adjust the width of the columns or the height of the rows, either drag the border with the mouse or double-click on the border to obtain the optimum size for a column. You can also click the button for the optimal height of the rows or the button for the optimal width of the columns. To change the width and sequence of the columns, drag the columns to the position of your choice or adjust the width to your preference. These changes will be saved for this session and the next time you use grid mode. To return to the original sequence of the columns, click the Reset sequence button.

Sorting the data

To sort the data in the grid, click in the header of the column you want to use as the sorting column. The sort will persist even if you change values in that column. This means that if you change a value in the sort column, the changed record will be placed in the new position according to its new value. The sorting of a column is indicated by an arrow indicating the direction of sorting (up or down) and by a thicker right margin of that column (see image below).  

Find and replace

To use the find and replace functions, you must either select part of the field in this column or click the button to select the whole column. You can then select the function you wish to use (remove, insert, append or replace). To replace a part of the text in the selected fields, type the text to be replaced and type the replacement in the appropriate fields. To start the replacement, click on the button. To insert a string to the beginning of all entries in the selected fields, click the button. To append a string to all entries in the selected fields, click the button. To remove all entries from the selected fields, click the button.

Transfer from spreadsheet

You can transfer data from a spreadsheet, such as Excel or Calc. Copy the relevant columns from your spreadsheet and paste them into DiversityCollection. Click in the top-left cell where the data should be inserted, then open the context menu (click the right mouse button) and select Insert to paste the data.

Editing

Some columns cannot be edited directly, but are linked to external modules or services. These columns are displayed as buttons. Click on the button to access the service. If a value is linked to an entry in an external module, the background will change to [yellow], and the text will no longer be editable.

Together with the links (as shown in the example above [Link to DiversityAgents]), you can also select columns that allow you to remove links to modules (e.g. [Remove link for collector] in image above). These columns appear as buttons . Simply click on the button associated with a link to remove the connection to the corresponding module. After doing so, you can edit the text field containing the previously linked value.

Some values are linked to a predefined list of options. To change such a value, use the drop-down list available in the column.

New dataset

If you click on the empty line at the base of the data grid, you will be asked if you wish to create a new dataset. The program will ask you for a new accession number and the project of the new dataset. Another way to create a new dataset is to use the copy button . Simply click on the row you wish to create a copy of and then click on the copy button . For details see the Data section. A copy of the dataset will be inserted at the base of the data grid.

Saving the data

To save all changes, click the button. To undo all changes since the last time the datasets were saved, click the button. To save the changes to the current dataset use the button. To undo the changes in the current dataset, click the button. If you click the OK button, you will be asked if you want to save the changes before the window closes. If you click the Cancel button or close the window, your changes will not be saved. To export the data displayed in the grid as a text file with tabs as column separators, click on the button.