Noting the broad constituency of the panel, the Chairman invited a number of participants to provide brief reports. He asked them to indicate specific activities which directly relate to the work of the panel.
Mr K. Kuma, member of the TOPC, noted that it identified the required land surface variables to be observed and developed a nested hierarchy as an effective sampling design for these variables. Data policies remain to be worked out, since information will be coming from a variety of data providers. He noted that the TOPC will be involved with the IGOS Forest Cover Project (see 3.4), and that the JDIMP may be helpful in the connection of existing networks. It is not obvious what will encourage participation in GTOS. The question is: What will data suppliers receive in return for sharing data? He recalled that some information required by GTOS will be needed in near-real-time (24 hours).
Mr N. Sato, member of the GCOS Atmospheric Observation Panel (AOP), noted that it has not met since the last session of the panel. He invited Dr Spence to update the panel on recent implementation activities of the JPO on behalf of the AOP. Dr Spence first noted that the AOP will be identified in the future as the GCOS/WCRP Atmospheric Observation Panel for Climate (AOPC) to reflect the co-sponsorship by the WCRP. It will next meet in the UK in August 1997 under its new chairman, Dr M. Manton. He briefly summarized the situation with regard to the GCOS Upper-Air Network (GUAN) and the GSN, noting their adoption by many of the members of WMO. A number of data-related issues with the networks remain, but they should be resolved at the next meeting of AOPC. Mr Sato invited the participants to review the proposed modifications to the terms of reference of the AOPC to ensure there are no overlaps in responsibility, but the panel made no specific suggestions on them.
Due to the absence of representatives of the OOPC, Dr Spence reported on its second session which was held in Cape Town, South Africa. A summary report was distributed to participants. He reminded the panel that the OOPC is generally following the data procedures outlined in the report of the Ocean Observing System Development Panel (OOSDP) and is addressing the issues of data and information management in a systematic manner. Several global databases (e.g., drifting buoys, sea level) are being facilitated through the work of the OOPC, often through direct contact between members of OOPC and the implementing organizations themselves. Although unable to attend the JDIMP session, the Chairman of OOPC, Dr N. Smith, provided a few suggestions in writing for JDIMP. In particular, he noted that the OOPC has taken a lead role in the development of the Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (GODAE), one of the six projects of the SIT (see 3.4), and suggested that the data management aspects of the project may offer opportunities for JDIMP to provide assistance. A meeting on GODAE next week may develop specifics in this regard.
Mr J. Morgan, Chairman of the newly reconstituted GCOS/GOOS/GTOS Global Observing Systems Space Panel (GOSSP)[3] was unable to attend the session. Dr Spence updated the panel on developments regarding GOSSP. First, he noted the agreement of GOOS and GTOS to become co-sponsors of the space panel, and that it has had two meetings since the last session of DIMP. The published version of the first meeting (GCOS-29) and a draft report of the second meeting[4] were provided to JDIMP participants as part of their documentation. At the first meeting, held in Geneva in September, 1996, the GOSSP considered its broadened remit and agreed to carefully consider the observational requirements of each of the three observing systems. A method to compare these requirements with the capabilities of the space data providing agencies was illustrated and adopted. The GOSSP also agreed to undertake a major revision of the GCOS Plan for Space-based Observations. A draft outline was developed. At the more recent session of GOSSP held in UNESCO headquarters in Paris in May 1997, the panel reconsidered the overall requirements for the G3OS and specifically those associated with five of the six SIT projects it considered relevant to the G3OS. It provided input for the Chairman to deliver to the Analysis Group Workshop in Tokyo which immediately follows the JDIMP meeting next week, and the SIT which meets in UK in September (see 3.4). A number of small ad hoc groups were identified to work intersessionally to develop elements of the second version of the space plan, and to accomplish some of the other recommended activities of the panel.
Mr P. Scholefield reported on recent WMO World Climate Data and Monitoring Programme (WCDMP) activities. The purpose of WCDMP is to make the best possible use of existing climate data to ensure that WMO Members have access to reliable, timely climate data and products in formats suitable for their use. He noted that the activities of the WCDMP, which nicely complement those of GCOS, transcend WMO programme boundaries, some falling within the scope of the climate components of a number of other international organizations. The ultimate aim is to address the data requirements for climate change detection, climate applications, monitoring and research, the assessment of impacts on climate, the validation of climate models and forecasts, and the development of strategies to mitigate potentially adverse effects of climate variations and change.
The WCDMP is structured into five projects:
1. The Climate Change Detection Project (CCDP): To provide regular assessments and authoritative statements on the interpretation and applicability of databases for the detection of climate change on global and regional scales. The WMO Commission for Climatology (CCl) Working Group on Climate Change Detection (WGCCD) plays a lead role in the implementation of this project. This WG has implemented annual WMO statements on the status of the global climate and, with GCOS and the Commission for Basic Systems (CBS), has established the GCOS Surface Network. The WG will likely become a joint CCl/CLIVAR working group at CCl-XII in August 1997[5], and will address the data needed for the development of indices to monitor and detect climate change. The GCOS programme should continue to be involved with this WG.
2. The Climate System Monitoring (CSM) Project: To provide Members with timely information on large-scale climatic fluctuations and facilitate interpretation and dissemination of this information. Monthly CSM bulletins and biennial global climate system reviews are the principal output from the project. Work has begun on a publication on the climate of the 20th century.
3. The Climate Computing (CLICOM) and the World Climate Data Information Referral Service (INFOCLIMA) Projects: To coordinate the implementation, maintenance and upgrading of automated climate data management procedures and systems in WMO Member countries and provide information on the availability of climate data sets. CLICOM software now is available in 130 countries and initiatives to improve it are underway. An internet version of INFOCLIMA is being developed.
4. Climate Databases Project: To coordinate the preparation and accessibility of global and regional databases required for climate change detection, climate prediction research, monitoring, diagnostic studies and applications.
5. Assistance to Members to Improve the Climate Data Management Project: To coordinate efforts to rescue and preserve climate data and make it available in a computerized format; to prepare technical guidelines; and to support developing countries in implementing climate data management systems and networks. The Data Rescue (DARE) project in Africa has resulted in the rescue of nearly 5 million climate data documents on microfiche.
Mr Scholefield noted that the optimal opportunities for interaction and possibly integration of WCDMP activities with JDIMP are with the INFOCLIMA project, the development of climate change detection indices and support to the Climate Information and Prediction Services (CLIPS) activities including the production of Climate System Monitoring (CSM) products.
No specific report was provided on this issue, but both the JDIMP Chairman and the GCOS JPO Director addressed some of the relevant issues associated with WCRP cooperation.
The Chairman noted that the WCRP is conducting an assessment of its activities in Geneva, 25-28 August 1997. One of the important contributions to JDIMP is to ensure that we provide the data and information management capability for scientific programmes to leverage their work and that we enhance the operational capacity of the G3OS from ongoing science programmes. The WCRP review provides an opportunity for JDIMP to extend this message to WCRP. Although the formal WCRP review programme has already been set, it may be appropriate for the JDIMP to inform the Executive Office of WCRP prior to the August meeting of our desire to work closely with the various WCRP programmes such as CLIVAR, GEWEX, WOCE, etc.
The JPO Director informed the panel of recent discussions held at the Joint Scientific Committee (JSC) of WCRP concerning WCRP data sets. The Chairman of the GCOS JSTC, noting that a number of the WCRP programmes have developed high-quality data sets which are not a decade or more in length, invited the JSC to consider the potential transfer of responsibility to a more operationally-oriented programme. Both the JSTC and the JSC have agreed to consider mechanisms which would advance this concept. It will be an agenda item for JSTC-VII.
Dr G. Szejwach, Director of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme Data and Information System (IGBP-DIS), provided a brief update on the work of the DIS. It was established in recognition of the importantly increasing role of data issues in support of global change research and for the benefit of scientists working in the framework of the IGBP Core Projects. IGBP-DIS activities cover the following areas:
(i) Production of global data products for the benefit of several Core Projects. Examples of such products are: DIScover (the classification of the land surface from the 1 kilometer Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) global product), a global FIRE product and global soils products;
(ii) Support to Core Projects in the development of their data and information management systems;
(iii) Establishment and implementation of a general IGBP data management plan.
IGBP-DIS Focus 1 covers point (i) while Focus 2 covers points (ii) and (iii).
The activities indicated above need to be integrated or make use of existing capabilities and similar/related international initiatives. This aspect is covered by Focus 3. Dr Szejwach related these activities to similar ones for JDIMP.
Dr M. Maiden was invited to provide an in-depth report on the CEOS Working Group on Information Systems and Services (WGISS) on behalf of the Chairperson, Mrs H. Wood, who was unable to attend. Dr Maiden informed the participants that WGISS was formed about 2 years ago from two existing working groups of CEOS. She noted that WGISS is, in a very real sense, a ‘sister’ organization to JDIMP. WGISS functions as the ‘harmonization’ group for data generated by Earth observing satellites and other sources. An informative document was available for participants.
The Vice-chair of WGISS is Mr T. Moriyama of STA/NASDA who will become Chairman at the CEOS Plenary in December. At that time Mr P. Churchill of the European Union/Centre for Earth Observations (EU/CEO) will become Vice-chair. The Vice-chair for Users of WGISS is Dr Szejwach of IGBP-DIS - underlining the CEOS goal of improving responsiveness to the user community.
WGISS is structured with three subgroups (i.e., access, data and network) to oversee technical work done by tasks in task teams, which may cross subgroups. The WGISS Five Year Plan contains seven themes that map to the work plans of WGISS, its User Panel and its subgroups. Activities are similar to the JDIMP, but one very real difference is that many of the WGISS members are also agency representatives having substantial resources devoted to data management activities - and therefore they are also the “champions” of tasks that the JDIMP chair mentioned (see section 2). The result is that WGISS does a substantive amount of real work by contributions and participation of these agencies.
Dr Maiden highlighted some of the tasks of WGISS. First, access tasks of interest include the CEOS International Directory Network (IDN), the CEOS Inventory Interoperability Experiment (CINTEX), and the Catalogue Interoperability Protocol (CIP) development. The CEOS IDN is an on-line data information directory service that allows users to access information on world-wide scientific data sets. A user can search by geographical region, by parameters such as “ocean surface temperature”, and get a list of appropriate remote sensing and in situ data providers and archives. CINTEX provides a test bed for an interoperable data order and delivery system. An inventory search allows a user to select specific satellite images from any data set searched, and the search is across all data systems comprising the interoperable system, allowing the user a “one-stop-shop” session. A new CIP is being developed within WGISS to provide the interoperability protocol for the next generation CEOS system.
Second, in the data area, WGISS provides data management monitoring for the Global Land One-km Data Set Project. Since 1 April 1992, data have been collected, acquired, archived, processed into products under the guidance of IGBP requirements, and distributed to the international science community. A set of more than 40,000 AVHRR images has been archived and is available from United States Geological Survey (USGS) and from the Eurpoean Space Agency (ESA). The Global Land One-km Base Elevation (GLOBE) project was initiated by CEOS to develop an integrated 1-km resolution, gridded quality-controlled global digital elevation data set from multiple sources. The final product is scheduled for release in 1997 and will probably be released on CD-ROM. In the data area, WGISS is also developing global mapping standards to facilitate use of mapped data.
WGISS has developed a virtual CEOSnet, whose architecture is described on the CEOS Information System homepage [http://ceos.esrin.esa.it/ceosinfo]. A network task on performance measurement allows monitoring of routing and data transfer rate. When testing reveals a problem with routing of messages, it is sometimes possible to find rerouting solutions that can dramatically increase performance with no additional monetary resources needed.
WGISS is instituting a strategic planning effort and will continue to focus on user and provider requirements, improving data and information interoperability, harmonizing information access activities, and improving global network performance. WGISS is very interested in understanding G3OS data and information user requirements and implementing, as a real part of the G3OS system, data and information activities that help this integrating effort.
Mr J. Guddal, President of the WMO Commission for Marine Meteorology (CMM), discussed the end-to-end concept where a clear sequence from observations through to products for the user community is developed. The observing systems should provide services to industry, authorities, and the public. Using the example of ocean services, he noted that they serve a wide array of customers and end users. What is missing in his view is the linkage and infrastructure support. He noted that all programmes have functions which relate both to international and regional levels, and to national and local levels. The infrastructure at international and regional levels should provide services/products for use at the national and local levels. Examples of such products could be:
Major database services (e.g., global ocean profile data sets);
Information on data availability (e.g., data sets that can be provided from one global observing system to another);
Technical advice with regard to tools to communicate and transmit data.
He said the challenge is for JDIMP to assist in facilitating global infrastructure functions in support of the end-to-end concept, support metadata needs, and to advise on technical solutions where possible.
Mr Withrow reviewed a couple of points from the document submitted by the GOOS Project Office concerning the terms of reference of the panel. The particular issue was the suggestion that “JDIMP should take on board responsibility for designing an end-to-end data and information management system, including the development of products and services”. In subsequent discussion, it was determined that the various modules of GOOS should be involved with the specific development of an ‘end-to-end’ system, whereas JDIMP should provide overall guidance and context of the data/information management elements. The JDIMP should treat specialized data as a commodity to be collected, exchanged, and archived. It would not be able to work at the level of the ‘technical content’ of the data/information. Mr Withrow noted that, in addition to a G3OS Data and Information Management Plan, a GOOS Data Management Plan was still likely be needed.
Mrs Martin, member of the GTOS Steering Committee (SC) informed the panel that the SC is in the process of establishing a set of principles, several of which relate directly to data and information management. These are in varying stages of development, but in general, follow similar lines to those put forward by GCOS and GOOS. They concern:
Data ownership and distribution - GTOS will facilitate access and use (i.e., have a knowledge of what data exist, where they are held, and what conditions govern access to them);
Data quality assurance - An indication of the quality of data is required, but how best to achieve it has not been resolved;
Harmonization - data needs to be made comparable and compatible to be used in an integrated fashion.
Metadata will play an important role in achieving GTOS goals.
She noted the specific data-related activities of GTOS undertaken to date include the operation of the TEMS metadatabase (which can be accessed and queried through the GTOS and GCOS homepages), and the recently initiated GTOS Network Demonstration Study with its elements of data sharing and exchange.
Mr R. Keeley, representing the Chairman of IGOSS, informed the panel that IGOSS accomplishes its goals through the support of its members. The following activities provide examples of the support of end-to-end data and information management within IGOSS. One example of a prototype G3OS data and information management system is the combination of SOOP and GTSPP. IGOSS has been central in moving the research based SOOP to an operational status. It has developed and maintained a number of code forms for sending ocean data over the GTS. An IGOSS supported Task Team organized intercomparisons between Expendable Bathythermographs (XBTs) and Conductivity-Temperature Depth instruments (CTDs) to investigate discrepancies between the two instruments. Manuals produced by IGOSS recommend data quality assessment practices both before and after the data are exchanged. A GTSPP centre tracks the timeliness of delivery of data to users. Processed data (includes removal of duplicates and assessing data quality) are distributed to users within 2 days of reception if required. The GTSPP has participated in a special monitoring exercise recently set up by WMO to confirm proper transfer of data on the GTS. Data quality is monitored by GTSPP monthly and a report is issued to data collectors detailing any problems that arise. Examples of some of the products created using data sent through IGOSS can be found in the IGOSS Products Bulletin [http://rainbow.ldeo.columbia.edu]. These include maps of surface and subsurface temperatures, ocean currents and sea level. These are produced for a variety of clientele from fishermen to shipping companies to scientists.
The Chairman of the IODE, Mr B. Searle, gave a brief presentation on its activities. He informed the panel that IODE, in existence since the early 1960's, now consists of 65 member countries. IODE is structured with National Coordinators, Designated National Agencies, and National Oceanographic Data Centres which coordinate and manage data in the national interest and provide the focal point for international data exchange through the IODE system. At the international level there are a number of Responsible National Oceanographic Data Centres for various regions and for specific data types.
Data through these IODE mechanisms then pass to the World Data Centres (WDC) (Oceanography and Marine Geology and Geophysics) where they are archived and made available according to the IODE and International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) data policies.
Among the number of programmes operated by IODE is the GTSPP operated jointly with IGOSS as noted above, and the Global Ocean Data Archeology and Rescue (GODAR), an important initiative which has increased global ocean information by nearly 3 million observations. A new series of CD-ROMs is being issued by WDC-A later in 1997. OceanPC, another project of IODE, consists of a suite of software for the management and processing of marine data and is in use at over 300 sites.
Mr Searle noted that IODE has a very well-established data and information structure that is in a position to address many of the ocean data and information management needs of the G3OS. It has demonstrated ability its to work with the scientific community and other programmes. He encouraged the close cooperation between JDIMP and IODE to continue.
In subsequent discussion, it was noted that the G3OS (GOOS in particular) must specify how they intend to build upon existing systems. The requirements must be stated to enable the operators of existing programmes to know what should be maintained, what should be improved, or what should be replaced. Additional guidance is required now to enable the existing systems and programmes to be responsive to the needs of the G3OS. In addition, it was noted that there are several data sets and databases which do not currently have a ‘home’. The G3OS should attempt to establish responsible organizations to maintain such data sets and databases on behalf of the user communities.
Dr V. Razuvaev provided information about the state-of-the-art in preparation of high-quality meteorological data sets in WDC-B which can be identified as GCOS data sets. The development of data processing techniques and the use of advanced computing facilities make it possible to create a baseline precipitation data set for Russia. It can be used both for studying precipitation within Russian national climate programmes and for various international projects. In this connection, the baseline data set is supposed to contain primarily daily precipitation totals for the period from 1966 to the present for about 2000 stations. Special attention will be given to data quality in this data set. Most of the proposed procedures to control and improve data quality have been tested and used in the daily precipitation data set for 223 stations of the former USSR which are available for scientific community use, and may be considered as a core set for the baseline data set. Although creating a baseline data set is a vital stage in the research of precipitation, many problems remain to be solved (e.g., solid precipitation, snow, hail). Nonetheless, the precipitation data set is considered a part of the work underway to produce the National Data Bank for Precipitation. It will contain all existing datasets including information on the values of meteorological elements used in precipitation control and appropriate metadata. A separate effort consists in analyzing the compatibility of precipitation data in Russia in the framework of international projects such as the Arctic Climate System Study (ACSYS) and GAME.
Prof. Zhai Panmao introduced China’s global climate monitoring system and the usefulness of it in environmental predictions in China. He expressed the particular need for ocean and cryosphere data in China. Prof. Zhai emphasized the importance of metadata for the G3OS data sets by reviewing the biases in the historical surface and upper-air data in China and upper-air data from the U.S.
Dr R. Heino described regional climate data activities in Europe. They include the creation of the North Atlantic Climatological Data set (NACD) and the European Climate Support Network (ECSN) engaged in collecting Western European climate information. These data sets should be listed among the G3OS data sets.
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[3] Formerly the GCOS
Space-based Observation Panel [4] Now published as GCOS-37. [5] The joint CCI/CLIVAR Working Group was established at CCI-XII. |
