1. 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

2. 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.