The Batch Image Upload utility is for collections that use Symbiota as their primary database (i.e., “Live collections”) or have a Snapshot Collection using a database that cannot link to a url for their images in an IPT . The batch image upload tool in SCAN involves two steps, detailed directions are on the upload page on the SCAN portal https://scan-bugs.org/portal/imagelib/imagebatch.php and also pasted below.
In order to use the utility you need to register on SCAN and then be designated an Admin or editor for your collection.
First, click on the the “Batch Upload” tab under the main images tab (see above). Then you just zip image files (jpg, png, gif) in a zip file and upload.
Make sure that each image filename includes a catalogNumber that is compliant with one of the formats we have on record for your collection or it will be rejected. It will accept images from multiple formats as long as we have a record of the format(s). If you do not know your catalogNumber format(s) just download records and see what is listed under the field “catalogNumber”. Ideally the file name would start with the file name followed by an underscore and whatever other codes or words you want to add. That way a human can quickly check the catalogNumber. If the catalog number does not already exist in SCAN it will be created as a skeletal record.
We have created a table of formats for each collection based on what was available as of October 8, 2019. If you want to add a new format please contact neilscobb@gmail.com. Catalog numbers that are not already associated with a record in the SCAN database will be rejected.
This utility also allows for images to create skeletal records, so it does not require that each image file be linked to an existing record (via catalogNumber).
For example, to upload images for the catalog number NAUF4A0007000, the following files could be compressed into a zip archive and uploaded. The letters following the underscore indicate Dorsal, Lateral and Ventral and are ignored. :
- NAUF4A0007000_D.jpg
- NAUF4A0007000_L.jpg
- NAUF4A0007000_V.jpg
If you experience problems, save the log output from this page and email it to neilscobb@gmail.com.