Design of a Database of Images

[flshfrnd]

I have a project to catalogue images. These images are currently stored (and discovered) in a 3-deep hierarchical folder structure of subjects. We want to retain a simplified form of this structure (i.e a drop down field for top level) that will limit selections for second tier field etc. However some images will also be relevant to subjects in other subject subtrees in the folder structure. I'm not sure what the best way to approach this is in Access. We don't want the restrictiveness of a wholly hierarchical system; nor do we want a free-for all set of subject category fields with a potentially very large dictionary of subjects. Any pointers on how to proceed would be very welcome. Using Access 2013. Thanks

[ranman256]

i think youd want a tRelated table (a child table) to show all the items that are related to this image:

tRelated (* = keyed so you cant double up on a subject)
------------
imageID *
SubjID *

this way 1 image can have many subjects.

[orange]

I agree with ranman256 regarding a related table of attributes and indexing to prevent duplication.
I have seen projects along this theme before.
Tourism stock photos, for example:
You may want to consider some common categories for classifying photos(relevant to your needs)

City/urban vs rural
Season (spring, summer,fall, winter)
Seascape/landscape/mountainscape
Major color theme (red, blue, green......)
TimeofDay(AM/PM/evening..)
Animals(yes-specific horse, birds,....
People(yes - kids, adults..
any other classification that makes sense to you.

and a link to the actual photo

[flshfrnd]

Thanks for the replies. I have another question. My form has a thumbnail image - this image uses the 'Image Path' field as the control path. What I'd like to be able to do is click on this new image to display a larger one (on another form). I assume this needs some VBA for the on click event. Can anybody advise please, my experience of VBA is limited to say the least.

Many thanks

[orange]

Does the thumbnail image have a click event when you look at its properties in design view?
I don't have Acc 2013, but you could post a copy of your db with just enough info to show the setup. Others may be able to review the code or "experiment" to get it working.

I'd look at the properties first. If it supports on Click Event, I'd start with a message eg "Clicked on Thumbnail, now figure out how to open and display the photo" That way you'll know you re in the right area.

[flshfrnd]

Thanks orange, yes it does support an on click event - with a drop-down for 'Event Procedure' and then the '...' that promps you to choose builder. Don't have access to the db at the moment but as you suggest, I'll make a more appropriate thread

[orange]

flshfrnd,

You do not need to create new threads with each question. It is more conducive to continuity to keep related facts/questions/dialog in one thread.