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EOSDIS Standards Summary
A list of some of the major areas of standards in Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) at NASA.
Introduction
Future ESDS data systems will consist of a heterogeneous mix of interdependent components derived from the contributions of numerous individuals and institutions. These widely varying participants will be responsible for data management functions, including data acquisition and synthesis, access to data and services, and data stewardship. ::
"An important premise underlying the operation [of the ESDS network of data systems and services] is that its various parts should have considerable freedom in the ways in which they implement their functions and capabilities. Implementation will not be centrally developed, nor will the pieces developed be centrally managed. However, every part [of the ESDS network] should be configured in such a way that data and information can be readily transferred to any other. This will be achieved primarily through the adoption of common standards and practices [1]."
The SEEDS recommendations for standards rely on two principles that are in tension with one another. The first is that standards are best when developed by and for particular communities to meet specific, identified community needs. The second is that a standard must be widely followed in order for the ESDS to receive benefits of standardization. These standards and standard interfaces will enable or facilitate the system interoperability and data interuse that is required to meet the overall objectives of the ESDS. ESDS must achieve a balance between the number of standards that must be supported and the specific requirements of particular communities of users. If each ESDS mission science investigation, or distribution system, uses a self-defined standard then there is no standard. At the other extreme, if there is only one ESDS standard, then it will be a bad fit for nearly all applications.
The SEEDS Formulation Team initiated two related studies to address the topics of data and information system and services standards. The Near-Term Mission Standards (NTMS) study advises the ESDS on standards for use by the ESDS near-term missions. The Long-Term Standards Process (LTSP) study defines a set of processes whereby SEEDS can adopt, evolve, and maintain appropriate standards through active engagement of the affected communities.
The SEEDS recommendation is that the ESDS develop a community-based process by which data systems standards for the ESDS are chosen or developed with community input. The recommended approach is to adapt a standards adoption, development, and approval process from that of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). This process will guide the evolution of ESDS standards. In the near term, however, this standards process is not in place, and yet, there are missions in the planning stages that may be impacted by changes in standards. The NTMS study recommends a first evolutionary step in adoption of standards by endorsing specific standards and practices.
List of standards in use in ESDS data systems (not an exhaustive list)
- Metadata Standards
- Global Change Master Directory, Directory Interchange Format for datasets (GCMD DIF) more
- EOSDIS Core System science metadata model for Earth Science Data Types (ECS ESDT Data Model) more
- Federal Geographic Data Committee content standard for geospatial metadata (FGDC Content Standard) more
- EOS Clearinghouse data provider science data model (ECHO ingest data model) more
- Data Format Standards
- Data Discovery and Access Protocol Standards
- Documentation Standards
- Example standards which may potentially be used in ESE data systems
- Science Content Standards
- National Vegetation Classification and Information Standard approved by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (NVCI/FGDC) more
References:
[1] A 6 to 10 Year Approach to Data Systems and Services for NASA's Earth Science Enterprise; Draft Version 1.0; February 2001; Section A.3. view in pdf
