Platform(s): Website
Description of need:
Right now, observations can only be linked after upload (e.g., via comments, observation fields, notes ). This makes it cumbersome to connect related observations (e.g., different life stages of the same individual, host/parasite pairs, or other connected organisms ).
Feature request details:
I’m requesting the ability to link related observations during the upload process.
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Where implemented:
In the Upload interface, after selecting multiple photos there could be an option to “Link Observations.” This would allow users to create separate observations as usual but flag them as connected. -
Functionality:
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Users select multiple items (photos/observations) and choose “Link.” from top menu
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Linked observations would then show a small linked badge with mouseover showing (“Linked to Observation #1234567”) in the observation view. Clicking this would take you to the related record(s).
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A more advanced version could include a dialog box which opens upon linking where they can specify a relationship type (e.g. “host/parasite,” “pollinator interaction” etc).
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Benefits:
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Makes ecological/contextual relationships explicit.
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Saves time versus adding custom fields or leaving explanatory comments
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Improves data quality by surfacing relationships that might otherwise be hidden. Encourages better data granularity.
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Supports existing use cases (e.g., linking galls to hosts, parasites to hosts, pollinators to flowers).
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