Conch-l,
 
Seabase is a Mollusca cataloging/multimedia database.
Originally written in the relational database Microsoft
Access 7.0, the project will be ported to Access 2000
when released in June '99.  Designed initially for my
wife, Lori Schroeder, this project strives to present a
visually attractive and efficient interface.  Access 97
and 2000 provide hyper link capability to keep the
database size smaller and provide increased efficiencies
for larger collections. Searches, queries, forms, data
slip labels, and reports are included.
 
Data and taxonomy fields are based on information
presented in COA articles.  One of the most appealing
features is the automatic search and insertion of higher
taxonomy data from past entries when adding another
genus or species of the same type.  Thus eliminating
typing errors of repetitive entries and becoming a
significant time saver for extensive collections.  One
can select a previous entry from a drop down combo box
listing previously entered data or simply start typing
and previous entries appear as each letter is typed.
 
Multimedia features include fields for scanned/digital
images, sounds, world map showing the highlighted zone,
and 3D rotating images of the scanned/photographed
shell.
 
Genealogists will appreciate what is termed  "Soundex"
search capabilities.  Upon typing in what one thinks is
the name of a shell, the database returns a listing of
other shells that have similar names.  Searches include
searching by any text field including Genus and/or
species.
 
See you in Louisville for the COA convention...
 
Jeff Schroeder
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