User-generated content in the digital identification of organisms: the KeyToNature approach

Abstract

In biology, proper identification is fundamental to retrieve information linked to the name of an organism. Digital identification keys can be easier than the traditional paper-printed keys. However, like the latter, they often cannot be modified by users. A research group of the European Project KeyToNature has developed a new open source software, the KeyToNature Open Key Editor, which permits to easily add digital user-generated content to almost any digital dichotomous or polytomous key with the use of any common web browser. The most interesting features of the Key Editor are discussed together with some of the possible scenarios in which it can be used.