California Academy of Sciences digitizes 2.3 million plant specimens

In the United States, the California Academy of Sciences is undertaking a major project to digitize its entire global botany collection, which began last year. This collection contains approximately 2.3 million specimens that date back to the 17th century. The process involves a team of digital imaging technicians who use advanced technology, including a high-tech camera attached to a conveyor belt, to efficiently scan and bar code these specimens. Charlotte Peng, who works for Picturae, a company based in the Netherlands, stated that scanning this collection can yield about 900 photos an hour, resulting in a daily output of around 4,000 to 6,000 images. This effort not only aims to preserve vital information related to these specimens but also significantly increases accessibility to scientists and researchers who previously needed to physically visit the Academy for their research. Sarah Jacobs, assistant curator of botany at the museum, emphasized the importance of this collection in understanding species variability and responses to climate change. The digital archive created from this project will prove essential in safeguarding information for a collection that was previously compromised; during the 1906 earthquake, a significant portion was lost when numerous specimens were destroyed in the resulting fires. Funding for this ambitious digitization project was made possible by grants from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, which awarded a total of $6 million to support the endeavor. With the goal of completing the digitization of the bulk of the collection by June, this initiative represents a significant step forward in both scientific research and preservation efforts.