DELTA - Intkey

  A system of programs for computer generating descriptions and keys.

Description

The DELTA format (DEscription Language for TAxonomy) is a flexible method for encoding taxonomic descriptions for computer processing. DELTA-format data can be used to produce natural-language descriptions, conventional or interactive keys, cladistic or phenetic classifications, and information-retrieval systems.1

The DELTA system is an integrated set of programs based on the DELTA format, includes:2

   Intkey - a program for interactive identification and information retrieval

   DELTA Editor - a program for creating and editing DELTA data

   Confor - a program for translating DELTA data into other formats

The DELTA System is capable of producing high-quality printed descriptions. The most important or diagnostic attributes (derived automatically or manually) for each taxon can be emphasized in full descriptions, or short descriptions containing only these attributes can be produced. The descriptions can be fully typeset without the requirement for any manual editing.

The System was developed in the CSIRO Division of Entomology during the period 1971 to 2000. It is in use worldwide for diverse kinds of organisms, including viruses, corals, crustaceans, insects, fish, fungi, plants, and wood. It was adopted as a standard for data exchange by Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG). The programs are free for non-commercial use.3

Function

• Taxonomy
  • Identification tools, keys
• User interface
  • Personal use
  • Raw data and visual presentation

Why use this tool?

• For creating species descriptions and keys
• For species identification

Who will use this tool?

• Data creation
  • Experts - taxonomy
• Data providers
  • Institutions
• Data users
  • Expert
  • Interest groups

How will the tool be used?

• Desktop application
• Windows only
• User input required

Where in the data chain could this tool be used?

• Data source
• User’s machine

When could this tool be used?

• Before data is made available to ALA
• As a post process, after data is with the user

Availability

• DELTA: http://delta-intkey.com/
• Overview: http://delta-intkey.com/www/overview.htm
• Downloads: http://delta-intkey.com/www/programs.htm
• Mailing list: https://listserv.surfnet.nl/archives/delta-l.html
• Documentation: http://delta-intkey.com/www/programs.htm
• Contact: MJ Dallwitz http://delta-intkey.com/contact/dallwitz.htm
• Version 5.1.1, 2000
• Cost: free for non-commercial use

Comments

This program obviously works under modern Windows systems (XP, Vista), and the discussion list is current, though there does not appear to be any upgrades to the software since 2000.