Introduction to the B.L.S. 'Identification of Lichens' CD-Rom Series

The decision of the British Lichen Society to produce a Lichen Atlas of the British Isles adds a further dimension to this understanding. Its loose-leaf format enables updates and additions to be made by the purchaser and the whole may be filed in any personally preferred order.

It was felt that, if high grade colour illustrations could be produced, the value of the Atlas would be very considerably enhanced and would also achieve a more international appeal. The prime question was whether to produce the highest quality hard copy, where the cost of production would be considerable, or whether to explore the rapidly changing but dramatically innovative field of digital colour reproduction on CD-Rom. The very high quality reproduction of the best colour slides available proved surprisingly faithful in this medium, and furthermore, the cost of quantity production was significantly less than colour hard copy. It was thus agreed that this approach should be pursued initially.

The CDs are intended, in time, to cover the whole British Lichen Flora. They complement the Lichen Atlas fascicles, produced in hard copy from Professor M.R.D. Seaward's B.L.S. data base at the University of Bradford.

This particular project could not has been achieved without the drive and enthusiasm of Mr Jeremy Gray. His determination to get the best possible pictures, using the critical expertise of Mr Peter James, Mr Frank Dobson and many who will be appropriately acknowledged, was invaluable. Photographs were proffered by several members, for which the Society is grateful. Some of these were used in the final production. Mr. Gray has, personally, taken hundreds of photographs on high grade colour film for these CDs, necessarily travelling consider distances to acquire them.

To enhance the value of these CD-Roms, keys to the Parmelias, habitat keys, detailed synonymy and an elaborate but user-friendly cross-linking system between species have been included.

They represent a quantum leap in the presentation of our understanding of the taxa.

Brian W. Fox, Chairman Data Committee and Past President, 1994-1996.