World Data Center Panel Update, March 2006 Recertification of WDCs Phase 1 completed for 53 WDCs 2 WDCs decertified, 3 dropped to Associate status On-site visit to Chinese WDCs only (July 2005) Great improvement in capabilities of Chinese WDCs Phase 2 beginning Evaluation of the “significance” of the data held by WDC Evaluation done by WDC Panel and its agents Endorsement or challenge of results by relevant ICSU body e.g., IAGA, IGBP, IHDP, WCRP, etc. 50th WDC and IGY Anniversary Participation in 2007 IUGG General Assembly in Perugia, Italy, July 2007 All WDC Conference, Bremen, Germany, April 2007 ICSU PAA on Data and Information approved by the General Assembly in October 2005 David Clark Assistant Secretary, WDC Panel

World Data Centers Panel Update, March 2006 The WDCs are certified according to the following criteria: World Data Center 1. Has significant holdings. Provides data on a nondiscriminatory basis, without restriction, for no more than the cost of reproduction. Maintains a web-accessible directory of holdings. The directory should adhere to national or international standards. Provides a means for users to find and download data online. Reports to the WDC Panel as requested. Associate Data Center 1. Provides data on a nondiscriminatory basis, without restriction, for no more than the cost of reproduction. 2. Maintains a directory of holdings. 3. Provides a means for users to obtain data. 4. Reports to the WDC Panel as requested. Centers Under Development Centers working to achieve associate or world data center status. The Panel has not yet established criteria for these centers, which are generally located in developing countries.