The dichotomous identification key (SAK ¹) has been developed both in Italian and English and consists of 42 plates and 45 descriptive files; at any time you can switch from one language to another.
The taxonomic characters are illustrated in parallel plates, providing an Atlas – glossary with a rich iconography to help the user make a direct comparisons between different choices using a closed hierarchical structure (similar to that of traditional dichotomous keys). The identification process passes through a series of clearly represented taxonomic characters ranging from macroscopic to microscopic features, to ultramicroscopy and SEM. In the end the fixed identification steps leads to the descriptive file of the determined species.

Random access key (MAK ²) is developed in English and Italian and is composed of a set of characters, functionally grouped by external appearance (i.e. articulated species vs not articulated) by macroscopic or microscopic aspects or by distribution (geographic or bathymetric). The set of characters is listed and represented in a way that enables the user to choose in full knowledge of the facts. According to the needs, one or more characters can be chosen, combining them together and with those from other tables (e.g. with the same characters related to geographic and/or bathymetric distribution).
The identification is therefore the result of the intersection of sets and leads to a precise identification or to a probability of taxonomic determination where only a few species can be found bearing those characters,. With the aid of IDK morphometric values researches such as "Search for pink coloured thalli ..." can be performed and submitted to the system.

In order to complete and verify the identification obtained through the analytical phase (using SAK or MAK) a synthetic phase based on the elaboration of 45 descriptive files has been developed. Each file is characterized by an exhaustive species description with synonyms, vegetative and reproductive features, ecological aspects and geographical and bathymetric distribution. The file itself has a navigation bar with links to the various points of the Board and a Photo Gallery to.
All work is written with HTML pages, with some minor JavaScript insert. An original iconography with images drawn from the database at the Department of Life Sciences and partially CalHerb integrates characterization. Images, marked by letters, no caption, are corresponding to the citations in the text of the tabs. Geographic distribution maps complete the description of each species. Morphometric data were presented as described by Irvine & Chamberlain, (1994).

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