MEDIN Data Guidelines

Data Guidelines Documents with tables and Excel versions of tables which are organised on a thematic basis which consider the actual data Instill good practice amongst users Allow contracting organisations to specify a format that data should be returned in that can be readily used and includes all relevant attributes Provide a consistent format for contractors to work to (rather than a different format for each contract) Allow easy ingestion of data to Data Archiving Centres Improve interoperability between organisations by providing a format which can be used to import and export data

Data Guidelines Further guidelines on seabed geophysical surveys under development.

Data Guidelines

Data Guideline Structure The structure of the tables in the MEDIN Data Guidelines have been created to conform to many of the key concepts in marine data acquisition and management. For example the concepts of a project, sample methods (data production tools) and a sample event are very strong and can be mapped to most marine data. Each table refers to a specific component and some tables are common to all data guidelines. The tables are: *Project - a collection of surveys that have been completed for a common purpose *Survey - a uniquely identifiable programme of data collection such as a research cruise, moored instrument deployment or survey event *Fixed Station – a target location used as the basis for replicate sample events and for repeat monitoring surveys Sample Event – a sample specific event of data collection Sampling Methodology (Data Production Tools) – Details of any method or instruments used to collect the data Sample Data – the data

Data Guideline Structure 2. Survey 1. Project 4. Sample Event 6. Sample Data linking field: Project Code linking field: Sample Event identifier linking field: Survey Code linking field: Fixed Station Identifier 3. Fixed Station 5. Data Production Tools (Sample methods) linking field: Method Identifier

Survey X 2. Survey Data 4. Sample Event Technique = Trawl and Tow 1. Project Offshore Litter 6. Sample Data Fish Abundance and Biomass 6. Sample Data 4. Sample Event Technique = Oceanographic Profile etc Oceanographic Vertical Profile 6. Sample Data 5. Data Production Tools 3. Fixed Station 5. Data Production Tools Data Guideline Structure

History of development Initial thoughts to keep the data guidelines at a technically simple level. No use of xml, schemas, databases. Document and Excel chosen as preferred format Drafted first guideline ‘Sediment sampling by grab or core for benthos’ then revised, revised until MEDIN Standards WG were happy and then extended to other themes. 1 year ago 3 contracts let to use the data guidelines in ‘real world’ Feedback is now incorporated into new versions. New versions are available as a zip file which includes the full guideline (pdf) a ‘read this first’ document and document on the structure and the excel template. New Data Guidelines developed by request of stakeholders and other drivers

All guidelines are reviewed internally and by the relevant Data Archive Centre before publication Wherever possible we have built upon existing standards. E.g. ICES guidelines Data Guidelines – developments and links to other standards

Relationship to Discovery Metadata The MEDIN discovery metadata format is aimed at allowing the non- informed user to discover data sets and it is likely that one ‘discovery’ data set record will contain a large range of data types that are in turn covered by a range of data guidelines. Some of the information which is collected at the Survey Level in a data guideline is also required to create a discovery metadata record. It is intended that the information collected at the ‘Survey Information’ level is reused for creating a MEDIN discovery metadata record. MEDIN are looking at providing a better analysis of common fields and possibly move towards the ability to generate a discovery metadata record from information held for a data guideline.

Exceptions If transferring historic data then some mandatory fields may be omitted If there is a specific need for transferring data then users can customise the Guideline The guideline can be extended to suits specific requirements

Controlled Vocabularies (Term Lists)

Controlled Vocabs Literally - A list of terms to choose from Aim is to promote the use of common vocabularies so it makes it easier to transfer data between different parties Promoting use of vocabs in specific themes via data guidelines and deriving new vocabs where required Vocabs are available through 3 rd parties or alternatively ‘served’ using the NERC vocab server developed in coordination with the european project SeaDataNet.

NERC/BODC Vocab Service: Controlled Vocabs

Also available via SeaDataNet client at: Units, Instruments, platforms, sea areas etc etc Controlled Vocabs

Controlled Vocabs Parameter relationships and discovery

Controlled Vocabs

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