4.1. Gwynneth Martin presented the results of the last Joint Data and Information Management Panel (J-DIMP) meeting (Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 28 April - 1 May 1998). One of the main issues discussed at the J-DIMP meeting was the role of the panel and its terms of reference. It was agreed the panel should take the lead on specific issues - metadata (measurements and integration into a database), data and product distribution to users, archiving, and metadata products (e.g. inventories) - and support other issues such as collection/data assembly, quality control, mining and data archiving.
4.2. Among the questions addressed by the participants were the extent to which J-DIMP should address issues relating to archiving of data and custodianship. In view of the diversity of data sets and uses between the three observing systems, the GTSC expressed the view that many data and information management are unique to each observing system and need to be addressed accordingly. Due to this, the GTSC noted that J-DIMP may not need to meet frequently in the foreseeable future.
4.3. The GTSC reviewed the J-DIMP terms of reference and suggested some modifications. The following recommendation was made:
Recommendation 3: the new terms of reference of the J-DIMP should refer to custodianship for data sets and to the role of the panel in overseeing the design and operation of the Global Observing Systems Information Center (GOSIC); it should monitor the use of the system and should report regularly to the GTSC. The chairman would convey this to the chairman of J-DIMP and the Directors of GCOS and GOOS.
4.4. The group discussed how countries that did not have comprehensive data sets or data and information management policies could benefit from GTOS protocols which might be developed on standards regarding data quality, access, custodianship, etc. The GTSC was of the view that data and information management should not focus only on "science drivers" but also on policy and above all social issues. The "knowledge information system" initiative of the World Bank was seen to be relevant ot this issue.
4.5. The GTSC endorsed the development of a web-based Global Observing Systems Information Centre (GOSIC). It was seen as a useful initiative that could gradually evolve from pointing to relevant G3OS data sets toward development of data and information products. There was agreement on the initial screening of data sets identified by TOPC, which would be a good start for the terrestrial component.
4.6. Ms. Martin presented the draft GTOS Data and Information Management Plan, to be finalized and distributed by September 1998. The document defines the context and the overall principles which apply to GTOS data and information management. It proposes policies and presents a plan for implementation, including actions and processes required to move towards practical operations in the future. The main elements deal with user requirements, custodianship, access and release, metadata, data quality, data harmonization, and archiving. She emphasized the need to establish a GTOS panel or working group on data and information management as well as a GTOS panel on data and information release, and to develop data and analysis centres. She requested inputs from the Committee to be included in the plan, in particular with regard to the actions to be implemented by GTOS. At the last J-DIMP meeting, it was agreed that a Joint Data and Information Management Plan will be developed by autumn 1998, reflecting the G3OS requirements and the role of the panel. In the meantime, each system will develop its own plan.
ACTIONS:
Chairman to send on behalf of the Steering Committee a letter to Tom Karl (J-DIMP chairman), indicating the changes suggested for the J-DIMP terms of reference and confirming the GTSC endorsement of GOSIC.
Steering Committee members to send inputs to Gwynneth Martin by the end of July 1998 to be included in the GTOS Data and Information Management Plan.
Distribute the final draft of the GTOS Data and Information Management Plan by the end of September 1998 to the Steering Committee and Co-sponsors.
