Intern:Parameter and terminology workflows in PANGAEA

This is the general wiki article on workflows for parameter and term creation and usage. Moreover, this wiki article deals with the annotation of parameters with terms.

The workflows for parameters and terms are aimed to be closely intertwined in future. This page depicts the current theoretical state of the workflow (practical implementation is still pending).

=General workflow draft for molecular and chemical data= The aims of this workflow are:
 * Reduction of redundant parameters
 * Avoidance of missspelling and improper naming
 * Avoidance of ambiguities before data import
 * Suggestion of suitable information ressources
 * Immediate generation of added value and increased searchability

Picture 1 depicts the recent workflow beginning with the identification of submitted data.

=Definition of parameter-term-annotations= Parameter-term-annotations serve different purposes:
 * Enable semantic search of datasets (e.g. by synonyms)
 * Enable future crosslinkings on the PANGAEA website (clickable terms)
 * Adding definitions and meanings to parameters to avoid wrong usage

Picture 2 shows the information circle/flow between parameters and terms within the terminology catalogue (TC):

New parameters are tokenized into single terms and added to the terminology catalogue. The terms are enriched with additional information (e.g. identifiers, definitions) and integrated into the existing hierarchy. These integrated terms can now be used as building blocks for other new parameters. It is possible to use one term in several parameters. Vice versa, one parameter can relate to several terms. This is called an n:m-relationship.

=Complete chemical term workflow= The chemical term workflow follows the general workflow in principle. However, in detail, the name check-up and term creation is an elaborate process, because a correct application of nomenclature and provision of good references must be ensured. Depending on the starting situation ((semi-)systematic name, trivial/retained name or ID provided), the workflow bifurcates into several search strategies for external information ressources, which is necessary for gaining references for terms that need to be inserted into the terminology catalogue (TC). Picture 3 shows the detailed workflow (picture will be added later).