Data Management

BEST Data Management

The BEST Data Archive is maintained by the NCAR Earth Observing Laboratory.

We will coordinate with PIs in developing a comprehensive data management plan and data policy for BEST
We will provide tools for data perusal, access and documentation of project activities. These tools will include the EOL (Earth Observing Laboratory) data and metadata archival and distribution system, and an on-line field catalog onboard the USCGC Healy.
We will provide data access and archival services for the social science component of BEST, including a customized GIS mapserver application. This application will provide an interactive map with links to data and other information based initially on Nelson Island site locations.
We will collect preliminary and final datasets from project PIs for interim archival at EOL. Final datasets and metadata will be staged to a long-term archive center.
We will collect and archive supplementary data from other shipboard instruments.

BSIERP Data Management

Management and analysis of large, diverse data sets that are generated by various investigators and participants from multiple institutions and backgrounds are huge challenges for large research projects. This program will generate vast amounts of data from its retrospective, laboratory, field and modeling efforts.

Vetting, Documentation, Storage

Data must be vetted for quality, documented by metadata, and stored using media and protocols that allow researchers quick and easy access to the information. We will use a central data repository where all BSIERP data will be stored. Our goal is to serve as much of the data as possible from a single integrated source with sufficient visualization tools to provide fast and easy data access to PIs, the research community, resource managers, and stakeholders.

We will maintain contact with BEST-BSIERP PIs to facilitate data delivery.
We will insure consistent data formatting and structures.
We will insure that data are easily available, by direct internet link or by request to data managers if the size of the request exceeds that deliverable by direct link.
We will provide data visualization packages to permit users to quickly identify, select and download the data required.
We will provide data in ASCII format, to insure that users have maximum flexibility to use the data in a variety of statistical or visualization packages without reformatting.
We will screen data for accuracy and develop of standard protocol for dealing with missing, questionable or bad data.
We will set up a metadata protocol, in conformity with national standards, for storage, delivery, and serving of metadata.
We will submit data to the appropriate national archive for permanent storage.
We will make databases and storage media accessible to authorized personnel only, so data cannot be modified or destroyed by unauthorized users.

The Solution

Adopt and modify data management software developed for storage, access and imaging of another large ecosystem study (BASIS) for the BSIERP study
Provide researchers with standard analysis and graphics applications for communicating scientific results
Work with AOOS to provide easy data access for BSIERP researchers and the general public.
Provide some BSIERP data in near-real time to AOOS and ensure that all data collected is archived with NPRB.
The Arctic Region Supercomputing Center will provide at least 760,000 computer hours for model computations, unlimited storage capacity for model output and help with data access, software development and implementation as part of the ARSC commitment to support research underway at the University of Alaska.

See how Data Management fits into the Overall BSIERP Study Plan