Darwin Core reporting in IrisBG.

IrisBG supports the export of plant collection data using the internationally recognized Darwin Core (DWC) standard, helping gardens share biodiversity information in a consistent, structured format. 

Darwin Core is maintained by Biodiversity Information Standards and provides a common set of terms for describing taxa, biological occurrences, specimens, and related collection information. 

By using Darwin Core reports, gardens can prepare collection data for sharing with external biodiversity databases, including the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).

For additional information, visit the Darwin Core Standard (TDWG).

Darwin Core reports in IrisBG

IrisBG provides four standard reports for exporting collection data in Darwin Core formats. These reports are available in the IrisBG Reports screen under 99 Miscellaneous. 

The Export reports generate collection data files, while the Publish reports export data designated for publication.
The two output formats differ:

• Darwin Core 2: Produces a text file containing collection data.
• Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A): Produces a compressed ZIP file containing structured biodiversity data and associated extensions.

Darwin Core Archive is widely used for sharing biodiversity datasets with GBIF and other data networks.
 

Configuring Darwin Core report parameters

Before exporting collection data to GBIF, the Darwin Core report parameters must be configured in IrisBG.

These settings are located in the Collections screen.

To configure Darwin Core report parameters:

1. Open the Collections screen.
2. Locate the DwC Params field and press the ellipsis icon to and open the Darwin Core Report parameters window.
3. Enter the relevant parameters and click Save.

The Darwin Core Report parameters window includes the following fields:

External relations

External relations allow IrisBG users to link accession records to material held in external collections, such as genetic samples stored in gene banks. These relationships are included in Darwin Core Archive reports, helping connect living collection records with associated material held elsewhere.

For instructions on configuring and using External Relations, see Accessions | External Relations field.

Sharing data with GBIF

The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) is an international network that provides access to biodiversity data from institutions around the world.

Darwin Core Archive is a widely used format for sharing biodiversity datasets with GBIF.

Before preparing your collection data for publication, review the following in IrisBG:

• Collection information: Ensure that your collection details and Darwin Core report parameters are configured.
• Accession and item records: Review records for accuracy and completeness.
• External relations: Check associated records and their publication settings, where applicable.
• Report selection: Choose the appropriate Export or Publish report for your intended use.

Once a Darwin Core Archive has been generated, the dataset can be prepared for publication through an appropriate GBIF publishing workflow.

Additional resources

• Darwin Core Standard – TDWG
• Darwin Core List of Terms
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• GBIF Data Publishing Documentation