ITIS Taxonomic Workbench

The Taxonomic Workbench is a Windows-based software tool used for editing and manipulating taxonomic data for submission into the ITIS online system. This software is used for entering new data into the ITIS database, as well as updating records already in the online system (the TWB is not needed to access the data in the online system). The Taxonomic Workbench is made available to current and potential data contributors who wish to submit data on their taxa of expertise. The Workbench has been developed by the USDA's National Information Technology Center in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The Workbench was created using Visual Basic and Microsoft Access (TM). Information is easily entered, copied, and manipulated using standard Windows commands and menus. Links between key fields, such as valid names and synonyms, are automatically made.

Built into the workbench is a taxonomy/nomenclature comparison function that can compare taxonomic data files in selected fields and generate reports of matches and non-matches between the data files.

The Workbench builds pick lists for several fields to expedite entry of repeated information and ensure uniformity of spelling for those entries. These fields include authorities, valid names and ranks, parent taxa names and ranks, and publication information.

Link to graphic of the Workbench's Taxon entry screen

Downloading the Workbench

In order to download the Workbench software, you must obtain ITIS authorization. While access is granted on a case by case basis, it is primarily offered only to those who are current, or potential data contributors. E-mail your request for authorization to itiswebmaster@itis.gov. Make sure you include the version(s) you want to download in your authorization request.

After receiving authorization, you will be given a password that allows you to download the requested version(s) of the application. If you have already received authorization and been given a password, you can begin downloading the software by clicking on one of the following options (only the available versions are active):

Taxonomic Workbench - Non-change Tracking Versions

• Current Version 4.0 (SR6)
• Beta Version
• Installation Documentation

For instructions on using the Taxonomic Workbench software (in Adobe Acrobat PDF format) refer to:

 Taxonomic Workbench User's Guide