e-journal

Image use in field guides and identification keys: review and recommendations

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Abstract.
Background and aims:
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 guides, the way in which images are used
varies considerably. Here, we review image use in paper and electronic guides, and establish
a set of best practices for image use in illustrated keys and guides.

Scope:
Our review covers image use in both paper and electronic guides, though we only briefly cover
apps for mobile devices. With this one exception, we cover the full range of guides, from those
that consist only of species descriptions with no keys, to lavishly illustrated technical keys.
Emphasis is placed on how images are used, not on the operation of the guides and key,
which has been reviewed by others. We only deal with operation when it impacts image use.

Main points:
Few illustrated keys or guides use images in optimal ways. Most include too few images to
show taxonomic variation or variation in characters and character states. The use of multiple
images allows easier taxon identification and facilitates the understanding of characters.
Most images are usually not standardized, making comparison between images difficult.
Although some electronic guides allow images to be enlarged, many do not.

Conclusions:
The best keys and guides use 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. Illustrated keys and glossaries should contain multiple images for each character
state so that the user can judge variation in the state. Photographic backgrounds should
not distract from the subject and, where possible, should be of a standard colour. When
used, drawings should be prepared by professional botanical illustrators, and clearly
labelled. Electronic keys and guides should allow images to be enlarged so that their
details can be seen.

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Ketersediaan

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Informasi Detail

Judul Seri

AoB PLANTS

No. Panggil

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Penerbit

Oxford : Oxford University Press., 2011

Deskripsi Fisik

AoB PLANTS 2011 plr004 doi:10.1093/aobpla/plr004

Bahasa

English

ISBN/ISSN

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Klasifikasi

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Tipe Isi

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Tipe Media

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Tipe Pembawa

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Edisi

2011 plr004

Subjek

IDENTIFIKASI TANAMAN

Info Detail Spesifik

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Pernyataan Tanggungjawab

agus

Versi lain/terkait

Lampiran Berkas

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