IDN Services and SERF Update Heather Weir

Earth Science Related Tools & Services Contains: –Descriptions of commercial and non-commercial, Earth science tools, resources, and services –Used in analyzing, processing and evaluating Earth science data sets. Types: –Data analysis and visualization, data handling, hazards management, metadata handling, models, Earth science educational resources, environmental advisory services, and information services

Earth Science Related Tools & Services Background: –Built on the same architecture and design of the original dataset-based search system –Now an integrated part of the IDN –Searchable database –Service Entry Resource Format (SERF) record contains all pertinent information about the service NEW: –Availability to directly link to these tools and services from the data set descriptions, and, a link to data sets that can be utilized with the tools.

Earth Science Services Parameters Topics –Data Analysis and Visualization –Data Management/Data Handling –Education/Outreach –Environmental Advisories –Hazards Management –Metadata Handling –Models –Reference and Information Services

NEW Earth Science Services Parameters in July 2004 New Variable: –Data Management/Data Handling > Data Networking/Data Transfer Tools Modified Topics: –Data Management/Data Handling –Reference And Information Services

Earth Science Service Parameters: Models An original service parameter. Divided into Numerical and Physical models. Considered adding the science parameter under each term, such as: Atmospheric Models, Geological Models, etc., –Example: Earth Science Services > Models > Numerical Models > Atmospheric Models NASA/MSFC Global Reference Atmospheric Model (GRAM-99) Chose not to so - because this would constitute double keying: all SERFs are keyed with science parameters and the variable name. –Earth Science Services > Models > Numerical Models

Earth Science Services Parameters Are we missing other types of service parameters? If so, what needs to be added?

Earth Science Related Tools & Services Homepage

Content Metrics Web site changes precipitated changes in collections of metrics. –Front-end changes Addition of docBuilder Use of tabs across all pages Removal of frames –Back-end changes Overhaul of directory structure and packaging of log files and script locations –Metric scripts are constantly evolving Coordinators provide feedback from month to month Content is shifted to be more prevalent or hidden based on usage

Total SERFs In IDN Jan July 2004

Distribution of SERFs

Distribution of SERF Usage

User Activity (Service Parameter Hits) August 2002 – July 2004 Introduction of the new web page

Praise from Bernhard Buckl (DLR) in Tromso Presentation is intuitive Good granularity of service taxonomy Services can be easily located Service discovery is included as service category GCMD keywords can be included - thus referring to the data set topics related to the service. A Free text search Very easy to use authoring tool SERF update review is fast

Suggestions from Bernhard Buckl Some subcategories have too many entries. Additional search capabilities (see below) or another category level could help. –Visualisation/Image Processing (255) Mixing of category/subcategory level should be avoided –Geographic Information Systems contains itself plus Web Services Free text search for common abbreviations like WCS should yield results even if not included in the SERF (maybe an unfair requirement for a free text search) [ Semantic web might help here.] A search capability for the GCMD science keywords included in a SERF would be very useful (are there services dealing with my Earth science domain?) [ Refine by capability will help resolve are there services dealing with my Earth science domain?.] Also a geographical search (are there services covering my AOI?) Locating GCMD Services with other search engines would be nice to have [ Search engine robots will be allowed to harvest the GCMD services. ]

Conference Calendar

Conference Calendar Metrics

Earth Science Links Page Added Features –Enhanced Link Navigation All pages can be accessed from left hand navigation. Link subcategories added (previously displayed long scrolling list of links for each page). –Functionality to Free Text Search the links. –New Add A Link comment form for user request –Link to DemoLink to Demo

User Support User questions relate to locating maps and images, climate data, and sources of information on various science topics. Archive all user questions and answers online at: A few sample questions: "I am looking for an aerial or satellite photograph of my father in-laws land in British Columbia, Canada." "I am looking for data on the Marianas Trench. Has it been changing in any way?" "I'd like to know about atmospheric conditions (ex. Great Northern Lights) and be alerted as to when they are."

User Support Metrics

Kudos Users thank us for our services often. We receive feedback from users through and at conferences. Some typical responses from users: Helen Pan was in search of satellite and space photographs of China. She responded, Thanks a million. It is powerful. I can't get these pictures in China. Hailie Cook was in search of global warming information. The user replied, Thank you so much for the websites you sent. Mallory Guerin was in search of UV-B radiation and rainforest information. The user responded, Thank you so much for taking time out to help me. I think that I will be able to use this information in my paper.

Learning Center

Data You Can Use

Solid Earth