All data records in the BDWD pass through four levels as outlined below. Each record has a verification code which indicates the level of review the data record has passed. When records have passed all levels of quality review, they are certified by having the name(s) of the specialist(s) responsible for the final review and the date of the review attached. Records, which have not been peer-reviewed (levels 1-3), represent research in progress and are marked with "Warning Work Record." These records should not be used unless they have been independently verified by specialists as to their appropriate taxonomic and nomenclatural status. They are made available here only to aid those contributing to the BDWD.
Name records are linked to their appropriate reference records independent of the review level. However, name records with the level 3 or higher should be linked.

See under Status for our progress as well as our work plan for achieving these levels of quality.

Data about names are derived from a number of secondary sources which vary greatly in their quality and comprehensiveness. What these sources are and how they were used are documented in the Source and Status documents. All data were transcribed from these sources, so in addition to errors in a source itself there may be data entry errors. Also, data entry was done over a number of years and with different computers, starting with a Wang VS computer system back in 1980s and evolving into the current FileMakerPro system now used. Hence, errors may have been introduced in the conversion process. However, with regard to these possibilities, we believe on the whole the quality of these records are high. All these records are identified by having a verification code of 40 or less. The BDE work was completed for all extant families on 1 June 2004. Only fossil Diptera names remained to be entered.

Once the initial data entry is completed the name records may be compared to the original secondary source or other secondary sources to identify and correct data entry errors. The records which have had preliminary review will have a verification code of 41 or greater.

Name records when checked against their secondary source and linked to their bibliogrphic record are given a verification code of 70 or higher.

Name records that are compared against the original source by the editors or specialists are identified by a verification code with the last two digits of 90 or higher.

Name records are also reviewed by specialists to confirm that they reflect the current accepted taxonomy and nomenclature. Name records which have had their taxonomic status reviewed will have a verification code raised above 100. Users need, however, to be aware that verfication of details against the original source and verification of the current taxonomic status are independent activities. Hence, a record with a verification code of 150 means that a specialist has confirm the current taxonomic status of the name but has not verified the details against the original source.

Sets of names, usually all the names for a family-level taxon, which have been reviewed by specialists, are also reviewed by two independent specialists. These sets of names correspond to what traditionally have been called catalogs, having authors and publication dates. For the near term, authors will be encouraged to have these sets of names also published in printed form. When the records have passed peer-review they are identified with the name of the authority and the date of the publication if printed, or if not, the date of the peer-review. The verification code of these records is raised to over 200. Level 4 records, if not separately published in print form, are to be considered published online in BDWD. Only these records are available for public use.