Type Photo Help

What does the search box look for? 

You can type as many query words as you like. The words will be used to search the following fields in the Type Photo database: 

• Family
• Genus
• Species
• Infraspecific
• Label notes

The words you enter will be used as an 'AND' query. This means that each word you type in the box for a given search will have to appear in each record listed as a match. 

For example: 

1. you type 'actinotus' and all the records with 'actinotus' in any of the fields listed above will be listed as a match.
2. you type 'conn prostanthera' and all the records with 'prostanthera' and 'conn' in any of the above fields will be returned as a match.
3. you could enter the genus and species of a taxon you are interested in by typing (for example) 'actinotus minor'.

The search is NOT case specific. 

You cannot use a 'wildcard' only search. You must have typed at least one full word in the search box. 

For example: 

OK - 'lamiaceae prostan*' 
Not OK - 'prostan*'

What is the difference between the 'exact match' and 'similar to query terms'? 

Exact match searches for the words you enter exactly as you type them. 

Similar to query terms allows you to use 'wildcards' and uses the following search features: 

• Phonetic searching (sounds like the search words you entered)
• Stemming search (uses the words you entered as a stem)

Using the 'similar to query terms' option will broaden you search. However, it is slower than the exact match option.

How can I use the 'Summary list' produced after a successful search? 

The results of a successful search are summarised in a list box. You may click on one taxon and then click on the 'Full record' button.  

You also can hold down your Ctrl key and click on more than one taxon (or use the Shift key to select a whole block) and click the 'Full record' button to view the details of multiple taxa.

What 'wildcards' can I use? 

Glad you asked! You must select the 'Similar to search words' option from the 'pull down' list on the search form to use wildcard operators. You also must provide at least one full word. 

You can use '*' to match none or more characters. 

You can use '?' to match a single character. 

For example: 

OK 'lamiaceae prost*'
OK 'lamiace?e prostanthera'
Not OK 'prost*'

How do I add new records to Type photo? 

You must have an account to add new records to the system. Each major Herbarium in Australia has an account as well as the Australian Botanical Liaison Officer. Enquires regarding accounts should be directed to HISCOM.