This WikiProject supports the development, documentation, and improvement of data models for natural history specimens across Wikidata and Structured Data on Commons (SDC). The project aims to create consistent, machine-readable ways to represent specimen records, holotypes, collection events, collectors, taxonomic determinations, and related GLAM-held material.

This WikiProject covers:

• Wikidata modelling for natural history specimens (only notable specimens, e.g. holotypes as per current wikidata conventions for uploading natural science material)
• Structured Data on Commons (SDC) for specimen images
• Linking specimens to taxonomic names, identifiers, and literature
• Modelling collecting events (collector, date, locality, method)
• Aligning specimen data with external biodiversity standards (GBIF, Darwin Core, BHL)
• Supporting GLAM and Research institutions contributing Natural Sciences material to Commons and Wikidata

• Establish a consistent and documented data model for natural history specimens on Wikidata
• Define recommended property usage for specimen items
• Model holotype and type-status relationships clearly and consistently
• Improve SDC representations for natural science images on Wikimedia Commons
• Provide guidance for partners contributing specimen images and metadata
• Align with biodiversity metadata standards
• Create tools, queries, and examples that support automated and batch contributions
• Identify gaps and inconsistencies in current Wikidata modelling and draft improvements

1. Data Model: Natural History type specimen items - Wikidata data model for Natural History type specimens.pdf
2. Data Model: Natural History specimen images - Wikimedia Commons data model for Natural History specimen images.pdf
3. Crosswalk to Darwin Core
   1. Crosswalk for Natural History Specimen Data Model - Wikimedia Commons + SDC
   2. Crosswalk for Natural History Specimen Data Model - Wikidata
4. Excel spreadsheet: OpenRefine project to create Wikidata items for New Zealand Arthropod Collection holotype specimens
5. "How to" documentation: Creation of type specimen Wikidata items via OpenRefine
6. "How to" documentation: Uploading specimen images via OpenRefine into Wikimedia Commons

• Zenodo Community for WikiProject documentation, publications and presentations
  
• Wikimedia Commons category for WikiProject

• Cradle form to create a type specimen Wikidata item

Add your username below if you would like to join or be notified of discussions.

• Dactylantha (talk)
• Ambrosia10 (talk)
• Applecuckoo (talk)
• ZoologicalLee (talk)

• Property proposal: collector SUCCESSFUL ➜ collector (P13914)
• Property proposal: specimen classifier SUCCESSFUL ➜ specimen classifier (P14026)
• Property proposal: collection date SUCCESSFUL ➜ collection date (P14027)
• Property proposal: location collected SUCCESSFUL ➜ location collected (P14117)

• taxonomic type (P427) - type genus or species
• nomenclatural type of (P13478)
• inventory number (P217)
• collection (P195)
• Wikidata:WikiProject Taxonomy
• Darwin Core standard
• GBIF
• BHL
• Commons:Structured data
• BHL-Wiki working group data model discussion document

Discussion and coordination take place on the project talk page.

Please feel free to add questions, propose property usage, or coordinate modelling work.