A few, among many possible search tips, examples and hints:
- Multi-factor searches can be used in many ways and combinations
of search terms and criteria. Thus, you may specify a 'subject' and
specify a word to search for in a caption and specify a picture type
etc.
- The relational database capabilities of the PDB include 31
specifiable search function options - individual search routines, functions
and conditions that may be specified and used in billions of possible
factorial search combinations. Most of the billions of possible search
combinations are too complex to make practical sense, but there are several
hundred combinations that are very powerful and highly illustrative of the
nature, flexibility and power of the relational database model that is at
the foundation of the EcoPort system and service.
- Tiling search windows, e.g. by conducting parallel searches in
two or more separate browser widows enables powerful visual comparisons.
For example, an album of flower pictures that contain the term 'aril' in the
caption could be compared to an album of pictures that are grouped because
they contain the term 'spadix' in their captions. Since the terms 'aril'
and 'spadix' refer to 'character states' in polyclave and dichotomous
classification keys, such 'tiling comparisons' can provide useful, visual
scaffolding tools in species classification studies.
- Your imagination is probably an important limitation on the ways
that you could learn to use and manipulate the comprehensive EcoPort
pictures sub-database (PDB).
- Do not hesitate to contact us using the e-mail option at the bottom of all
CA web pages if you need advice about how to harness our PDB.