What is LibraryLink?
Modern database and GIS applications frequently record information which relates to digital images and documents. For example a utility company may survey power lines and take photographs of issues. As these images relate directly to a point in space (eg a pylon), a GIS application can visualise the reported issues and allow users to view the photos relating to them. This is where LibraryLink comes in: LibraryLink extents existing database and GIS applications with digital image and document management tools. A catalogue keeps track of incoming files and allows additional information (metadata) to be stored with the images and documents, such as annotation, keywords, title, originator, copyright, etc. As soon as a file is catalogued, it can be linked to any record in a database or GIS application, giving access to the files with a single click.
How does LibraryLink work?
LibraryLink uses ThumbsPlus, developed by Cerious Software, to provide comprehensive image and document management functionality. ThumbsPlus allows LibraryLink users to keep track of files using a database which is frequently referred to as a “digital catalogue”. Whenever new files are being created, ThumbsPlus can be used to catalogue the file, which generates an entry in the database containing a thumbnail and additional metadata. This process doesn’t affect the source file which can stay in the location where it was last saved. Once files are catalogued, ThumbsPlus should be used to move or rename them, as this avoids breaking the link between file and catalogue entry.
Once files have been catalogued with ThumbsPlus they can be associated with database and GIS records using LibraryLink. This is done by calling LibraryLink from the parent application and supplying it with a record identifier. LibraryLink then displays any files that have previously been associated with the database/GIS record and allows the user to add or remove links to images and documents. This can be done by simply dragging thumbnails into the current record section to add them or by dragging thumbnails out of the current record section to remove them.
To quickly find certain files in the catalogue, LibrayLink provides fast searching functionality. Simply enter a keyword and select the metadata fields that should be searched and LibraryLink will return matching results which can then be used to link to the current record.
Sometimes it may be necessary to see the original file which was catalogued. Simply double-click on a catalogue thumbnail and it will be displayed in the Librarylink Image Viewer or in its parent application.
Please see the LibraryLink screenshot section for more details.
System requirements
- Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 or higher, Windows XP SP2 or higher, Windows Vista
- Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
- 16bit Graphics Card or higher
- Windows display configured to use at least 16bit colour mode
- On Novell Network full support for Windows long folder and file names
Interested?
To find out more and to discuss your requirements, please get in touch with Tobi Tonner (tobit@esdm.co.uk; 01874 713070).