However, an initial attempt can be made to sort loci by name using simple pattern matching if only for the purpose of demonstration. This is the approach used in prototype versions of the grass database. Each name is a composite consisting of the original locus name as it appeared in the component database, the original map name, and the database of origin. The black dots represent instances in which a locus on one chromosome has been grouped with a locus on the second chromosome. The next figure shows in more detail the relationships between loci on maize 9 and rice 6.
Similar views are available for each cell on the grid.
Another useful display is this graphic showing the positions of related loci on maize 9 and rice 6. Again, the dots represent instances in which a locus on one chromosome has been grouped with a locus on the second chromosome. The next view compares a single map with a group of maps. The immediate goal of the project is to offer at least a subset of them as part of the grass database. These will create a browsing environment which will support simple comparisons between species and individual maps and will make it easier to move between component databases.