> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.geosamples.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.geosamples.org/find-your-path.md).

# Find your path

Where to go depending on what you're trying to do.

### I collect samples or manage a sample collection

You want [**the User Guide**](https://docs.geosamples.org/for-researchers/). Start with [**Create a SESAR account**](/for-researchers/accounts-and-access/readme.md).

### I run a lab group

Same section, but the setup order matters and getting it wrong means redoing it. Start with [**Share a code with your lab group**](/for-researchers/accounts-and-access/share-a-code-with-your-lab-group.md).

### I manage a collection, repository, or museum

<mark style="color:pink;">\[COMING SOON]</mark> You want **For Institutions & Repositories** — different scale, different onboarding, and possibly a different registration route.&#x20;

### I'm building software that talks to SESAR

You want the [**API**](broken://spaces/Ek5ePMNueg0oUxjBjeBl) section, and probably the [**Metadata Schema**](https://docs.geosamples.org/metadata-schema/) alongside it.

### I need to know what goes in a field

[**Metadata Schema**](https://docs.geosamples.org/metadata-schema/) for what each field means and whether it's required, and [**Vocabularies**](https://docs.geosamples.org/vocabularies/) describing which values are allowed.

### I'm mapping SESAR to another standard

<mark style="color:pink;">\[COMING SOON]</mark> **Metadata Schema → Crosswalks** covers DataCite, Darwin Core, and iSamples.

### I'm looking for samples, not registering them

Try the [SESAR Catalog](https://www.geosamples.org/search-options/catalog-search) or the [Index to Marine and Lacustrine Geological Samples](https://imlgs.geosamples.org).

### I want to know what SESAR is

That's on [geosamples.org](https://www.geosamples.org/about) rather than here.


---

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