I have been pondering taxon name matching type services lately...

I wonder if the OGC WPS (Web Processing Service) would make a good platform for integrating the various name matching algorithms that are being worked on lately.

I was imagining something like a web interface where you can go to and view a list of the available algorithms and select different algorithms in different orders to get the best set of match results your own list of name strings/data. If everyone set up their algorithms as a WPS then this interface would call each WPS in the appropriate order until then end of the configured workflow path.

UI something like (in diagram):

[cid:image002.png@01CB1DDB.86BDF370]

Where the bottom part is configurable by the user. Each box being a representation of a WPS service for doing the match.

Any thoughts? Perhaps something that could be discussed at TDWG?

One issue would be how to define/specify the list of names to match against - then when you pass the processing of a match routine how would it access the names list to match?? Perhaps it could all be based on one server and people could submit algorithm/WPS services to it?

Hmmmm, will keep dreaming ...

Kevin

________________________________ Please consider the environment before printing this email Warning: This electronic message together with any attachments is confidential. If you receive it in error: (i) you must not read, use, disclose, copy or retain it; (ii) please contact the sender immediately by reply email and then delete the emails. The views expressed in this email may not be those of Landcare Research New Zealand Limited. http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz