Paramount attention at the workshop was given to the specific actions necessary to begin the establishment of a GTN-H. In particular, discussion centred on the core functions of GTN-H and the associated technical and administrative framework for the functioning of GTN-H. This included the governance of the GTN-H and its operation; the coordination and communication between network partners; specifying the technical issues relating to products; data management; and developing an approach to enhance the participation in and the knowledge of GTN-H.
3.1. Core Functions of GTN-H
The experts refined the core functions that had been proposed for GTN-H to include:
Provide timely access to global hydrological data and metadata for users;
Generate relevant products and related documentation, satisfying timeliness and quality requirements of users;
Promote standardization in observations and use of 'best' practices;
Promote and facilitate free and unrestricted exchange of data and products within existing frameworks, e.g., WMO resolutions 40 (Cg-XII) and 25 (Cg-XIII);
Solicit user feedback and ensure responsiveness to changing needs;
Provide for monitoring and evaluation of GTN-H performance;
Contribute to identifying the key observational requirements of GTN-H, including requirements for satellite observations; and
Provide for capacity-building
3.2. Initial Configuration of GTN-H
The experts reviewed the initial configuration of GTN-H developed at the Geisenheim meeting and generally agreed on the applicability of this model and the potential participants. The underlying philosophy is to seek the inclusion of all possible participants in GTN-H that have contributions to make to the overall success of the network. See Figure below (from Geisenheim report, revised).
Proposed initial configuration of GTN-H
3.3. Responsibilities of GTN-H Partners
The responsibilities of GTN-H partners were reviewed and modified to reflect the overall philosophy of maximum participation. The experts concluded that GTN-H is a confederation of organizations that operate within the missions of their sponsors (including requirements of existing sponsors). These organizations are to provide cooperative service functions to the GTN-H including general information on their policies, products and operations, freely exchanging data within their existing policies and agreements, providing for the documentation of their products and information, making available updates of data and product catalogues, including metadata, and making available the data in their databases and product services, consistent with the agreements on data dissemination. Also, the partners are expected to be actively involved in product development both individually and collaboratively and to develop and utilize tools to support shared development of products. GTN-H partners as a whole and their sponsoring organizations will undertake joint activities to enhance the participation in and the knowledge of GTN-H (e.g., promotional activities/marketing strategy). Specific activities may include developing a logo, contacting professional activities, interest groups, funding agencies and donors, and the public. See Annex III for a complete list of responsibilities.
There was a strong need expressed to increase the number of partners and cooperating scientists and their institutions in the activities of GTN-H. In particular, participants expressed the need to involve the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), the Research Centre of the University of Kassel, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with regard to observations using natural isotopes. Likewise, national operational and research agencies and programmes that offer opportunities to enhance the databases, implementation of new analysis techniques and/or the development of new global products based on their national activities, should be encouraged to participate. Universities are also excellent sources of new methods and techniques, as well as research quality data sets.
3.4. GTN-H Products
Participants discussed at length GTN-H products, especially developing products that involved the cooperation of two or more partners. The following is an initial set of products, in addition to relevant current products for the individual centres:
Development of a joint map product about availability of data (near real time and historical);
Development of a map product, showing the state of the system;
Establish tools (e.g., procedures) for data mining and (standardized) archiving; and
Data and analysis products, including gridded runoff/discharge fields, biogeochemical (BGC) fluxes to the oceans, and surface storage fluxes.
The basic information, as listed in Annex IV, will be made available for each product.
3.5. Data Dissemination and End-to-End Data Management
In addition, since GTN-H is a 'network of networks', it is critical to develop common policies on data dissemination and end-to-end data management.
The meeting discussed various aspects of data dissemination including the internal exchange of data and products among the GTN-H partners. Participants agreed on the desirability of using electronic means and having easy access under gateway protection to products in development and products based on data that have restrictions of its 'open' use. A number of topics related to data policies and procedures were discussed and are summarized in Annex V. Based on the work of the Atmospheric Observation Panel for Climate (AOPC), Annex VI discusses a common approach to a data management process that may be applicable to GTN-H or at least to some of the sub-networks. This includes monitoring the availability of data, data quality control, analysis of data sets (and product development) and archiving of the final data sets.
3.6. Management/Coordination of GTN-H
The management/coordination framework will consist of a two-tiered structure of an overall Implementation/Coordination Group and implementing task teams. The core of the Implementation/Coordination Group will be partners who have ownership of GTN-H, e.g., GRDC, GPCC, and the GEMS/Water Collaborating Centre (GWCC). In addition, there will be members from the outside community, from national and regional operational agencies, and with ties to other scientific panels, such as AOPC. Implementing task teams, consisting of relevant individuals representing their organizations, will address specific issues and primarily work through electronic contact. Finally, the meeting reached agreement that an active Coordinator is required to move GTN-H issues forward. The meeting selected David Harvey of the Meteorological Service of Canada as interim Coordinator. Additional ideas that were discussed during the meeting are given in Annex VII. Annex VIII proposes initial membership on, and involvement in, the Coordination Panel.
