1. Image database software in general

1.1 What is an image database software?

Image database software is a specialised application that allows users to efficiently organise, manage and search a collection of images. This software offers features such as metadata management, search functions, image previews and access control to optimise the use of image resources.

1.2 What does an image database software do?

Image database software such as ImagePlant helps you create a specialised database to organise your digital images and media. Image databases are often used by companies, authorities, agencies and other organisations to enable efficient management and use of image resources.

Image database software makes all media available centrally and can be used and managed by different users depending on their authorisation. Decentralised storage on individual local computers or on a server with a folder structure that is difficult to search is therefore no longer necessary.

1.3 What does media management mean?

Media management refers to the process of organising, storing and providing digital media such as images, videos, audio recordings and documents. Effective media management includes tasks such as metadata management, cataloguing, archiving, provision and searching.

1.4 What is an image archive software?

Image archive software (or digital asset management [DAM] software) is a specialised system designed to manage, organise, archive and distribute digital images and other media content. Such software solutions are particularly useful for businesses, government agencies, cities, counties, photographers, museums, libraries and other organisations that need to manage large volumes of images and media.

1.5 What is Digital Asset Management (DAM)?

Digital Asset Management (DAM) refers to the process of managing, organising and providing digital media such as images, videos, audio files and documents. DAM systems provide companies with a centralised platform for storing and managing their digital resources, thereby improving the findability, reusability and efficiency in the use of these resources.

2. Image database terminology

2.1 What is the difference between frontend and backend?

The frontend of an application is the user interface that is used by (external) users and enables interaction with the application. In ImagePlant, the frontend functions as a download portal where visitors can view and download your media – if you have granted them authorisation to do so.

The backend, on the other hand, is the administration area where authorised users such as administrators can upload and manage media. You can also manage your front and back end users, categories, keywords and collections in the ImagePlant back end.

2.2 What are keywords or tags?

Keywords – or tags – are short designations used to label content. Keywords make it easier to organise and find content such as images, as users can search for specific topics.

2.3 What are the advantages of AI tagging?

AI tagging uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically create keywords or tags for digital content. In our image database software ImagePlant, AI tagging supports users by suggesting suitable keywords. The advantages:

• Automation: AI systems can analyse large volumes of images in a short time and automatically assign relevant keywords to them, significantly reducing manual effort.
• Precision and consistency: AI can create consistent and precise keywords as it is based on predefined algorithms and models.
• Time efficiency: Automatic keywording saves time, especially with large amounts of data, and enables faster processing and organisation of images in your photo archive.
• Improved findability: Precise keywords make it easier to find content via search, which improves the user experience.

2.4 What is batch processing of media?

Batch processing of media refers to the simultaneous processing of a large number of media files. In ImagePlant, this includes, for example, uploading, tagging, moving or downloading media and adding/editing metadata. Batch processing enables efficient processing of large quantities of media and saves time and labour compared to individual processing.

2.5 What is IPTC data and metadata?

IPTC data (International Press Telecommunications Council) are standardised metadata fields that are stored in digital images or media files. They contain information such as title, description, copyright and keywords.

Meta data is general information about a file that is used to identify and organise it. This includes information such as file name, file format, size, creation date and modification date, as well as content descriptions such as keywords.

2.6 What are media attributes?

Media attributes are properties of a media file that make it easier to describe, identify or classify. These include attributes such as file format, resolution, colour space, duration (for videos), dimensions (for images) and other specifications.

2.7 What is a full-text search?

A full-text search allows users to search for terms in all available texts or documents. This enables a comprehensive search within digital content and increases the probability of finding relevant results.

In ImagePlant, all information stored in the metadata fields can be searched using a full-text search.

2.8 What is a download portal?

A download portal is a website that allows users to download digital files. A download portal can be publicly accessible or require prior registration in a closed area that is only accessible to registered users or paying subscribers. Download portals often offer search functions, categorisation, ratings and other features to help users find and select files. Download portals can be operated by companies, public authorities, educational institutions, media organisations or private individuals and serve as a central location for accessing digital content from various sources.

3. Hosting of image database software

3.1 What does “web-based” mean?

A web-based application is operated on a web server and can be used via a web browser (such as Edge, Firefox or Chrome) – without the need to install separate software on the user’s device. Web applications such as our image database software ImagePlant can therefore be accessed via the internet from different devices and locations. This offers users flexibility and the ability to access the latest versions and updates without having to install them manually.

3.2 What does “on-premise” mean?

On-premise refers to a way of providing software or IT infrastructure. Here, the systems and applications are hosted and operated locally on a company’s servers. In contrast, with cloud-based solutions, the systems are hosted by an external provider and made available via the internet. On-premise solutions offer companies more control over their data and security, but require their own infrastructure and regular maintenance.

With ImagePlant you are flexible: it can be operated both on-premise and with an external hosting package.

4 Miscellaneous

4.1 What is a PDF?

PDF (short for Portable Document Format) is a file format developed by Adobe to save and display documents across platforms and independently of operating systems or special software. PDF documents can contain text, images, graphics, tables and other elements. It can be saved in a compact format that retains the original formatting and layout. PDFs are widely used for various purposes such as reports, manuals, brochures, forms, presentations and e-books. They can be created, edited and viewed with various software applications, including Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome and many more.

4.2 What is web design?

Web design refers to the design and creation of websites with the aim of providing an appealing user experience. This includes aspects such as layout, colour scheme, typography, navigation, user interaction and visual aesthetics. An effective web design takes into account the needs of the users as well as the goals and messages of the website.

4.3 What is a CMS (Content Management System)?

A content management system (CMS) is software that enables users to create, edit and manage content on websites without the need for extensive programming knowledge. With a CMS, users can easily add, edit and organise content such as text, images, videos and documents.

4.4 What is digitisation?

Digitisation refers to the process of converting analogue information or processes into digital formats or systems. This includes the digitisation of documents, images, videos, audio recordings and other analogue data carriers in order to store, process, transfer and use them in electronic form.

4.5 What is digital photography?

Unlike traditional photography, which uses film and chemical processes, digital photography uses digital cameras or image capture devices such as smartphones to capture and store images electronically, allowing for instant viewing and editing.

4.6 What are digital media?

Digital media is electronic content that is available in digital form and can be distributed via digital channels. This includes images, videos, audio recordings, texts, presentations, e-books, websites, apps and other digital files. Digital media enable the storage, transmission, processing and interaction with information in electronic form.