Background

The computing platform of the Australian National Botanic Gardens has been established to provide:

Database management:
- Botanical taxonomic and nomenclatural information
- Botanical descriptive information
- Living specimens information
- Herbarium specimens information
- Horticultural information
- Photographs and image information
- Library catalogue and textual information
- Address lists and project information
Word-processing, for:
- Correspondence and administration
- Manuscript preparation
- Desk-top publishing
Scientific applications, such as:
- Botanical description and key generation
- Cladistic and phenetic analysis
- Morphometric and pattern analysis
- Spatial information and prediction analysis
- Statistical analysis
Graphics
- Scanned images, photographs, etc.
- Artwork and captions
- Presentation slides and transparencies
- Landscape planning and design
- Planting location maps
- Facilities management and service maps
  - site topography
  - access roads, paths
  - irrigation, plumbing
  - electricity, gas
  - telephone, communications
  - etc...
Administration:
- Project management
- Spreadsheet and accounting applications
- Access to management and staff information
- Correspondence and administration file management
Networking:
- AARNet and Internet, etc.
- Australian herbaria and botanic gardens
- International herbaria and botanic gardens
- Flora of Australia project
- ERIN
- DEST Network
- ABN (Australian National Library)

It is based on several major platforms: