Barcoding Standards
Community Standards for DNA Barcoding
Overview
The Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) is committed to upholding and progressing community data standards for DNA barcoding to ensure data quality, reliability, and interoperability. These standards support the scientific community by providing clear requirements and best practices for data generation.
Barcode Core Data Model
This Barcode Core Data Model (BCDM), is a standardized aimed at significantly enhancing the organization, sharing, and utilization of DNA barcode data within the biodiversity science community. The model defines key terms and their definitions for describing crucial details about DNA barcodes, including sequences, specimens, taxonomic names, locations, dates, and related metadata.
This standard is evolving and open to community feedback. It is maintained online.
Core Features
- Seamless Integration: Alignment with existing biodiversity data models and databases, including the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) and Darwin Core Data, streamlining data exchange.
- Comprehensive data elements: Comprehensive coverage of essential data elements related to DNA based species identification, including specimen collection, DNA sequences, and taxonomic classification.
- Standardized Vocabulary: Establishment of a common vocabulary for data interpretation
- Foundation for Future Research: Serve as a foundation for the development of analytical tools, databases, and resources that utilize DNA barcode data, opening new avenues for research and education.
