Accessing Data Through the Dataset Registry

The GOSIC dataset registry is operated in cooperation with the NASA Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). The registry consists of a simple relational database maintained by GOSIC for managing dataset identification and documentation activities and the set of Directory Interchange Format (DIF) records maintained in the NASA GCMD that are available to Global Observing Systems (GCOS, GOOS and GTOS) users through the Global Observing Systems GCMD Portal and also to the GCMD client community in general.

The Dataset Registry is intended to hold descriptions of three types of datasets.

• data which will be collected in an operational mode well into the future.
• relevant historical datasets useful for the purposes of the Global Observing Systems (GCOS, GOOS and GTOS). e.g. the Bermuda time series and the historical record from upper air stations.
• datasets developed by the global change research community, such as GODAE modeling data.

Datasets of the second type are identified by scientific panels before being entered into the registry.

Unique Approaches to this Requirement:

The GTOS/GCOS TOPC has identified datasets for the registry. The other panels have not as yet addressed this matter directly. However all panels have identified elements of their initial observing systems. It is being assumed by GOSIC that all datasets that are part of these IOSs are to be described in the dataset registry. In general, a process for identifying Global Observing Systems (GCOS, GOOS and GTOS) datasets should be approved by the program Scientific Committees.

Search criteria include at this time a search by parameter and by keyword. Both these searches can be restricted to datasets that are collected or championed by one of the observing systems if so desired.

Other useful listings of datasets are also being developed in order to provide users with various views of data relevant to the global observing systems. In particular listings of datasets by observing system program or sub-program (e.g. AMAP) is being developed.