OADS Data and Metadata Documentation Guidelines

The OADS team is developing documentation and guidance on metadata standards (e.g., ISO), ocean acidification vocabulalry content standards, data formats, and resources for data providers including citations and computer programs to facilitate documenting data. An inter-agency ocean acidification parameter vocabulary group has been formed with the goal to create an ocean acidification parameter list to facilitate OA data sharing. The approved ocean acidification parameters will be published in the Interagency Ocean Acidification Parameter list which resides in Marine Metadata Interoperability (MMI) website.

Below we provide guidance on preparation of metadata and data file formats, data submission to NODC for archival, and other aspects of the data life cycle.

1. Metadata Preparation

   In situ observational data: To the extent possible, please prepare your OA metadata according to the OADS Observational Metadata Content Standard:

   [MS Excell template] [PDF template] [Text template] [Text example] [PDF example]

   Remarks: (a) Please make sure to mark the pH scale (NBS, total, free, seawater, etc) if pH data are provided. (b) Please note that our current metadata standard for observational OA data includes a place where the data provider can enter information describing data quality (e.g., WOCE quality flags).

   Experimental/biological response data: We are in the initial stages of developing metadata appropriate for experimental or biological response data. A draft metadata content template is under review: [MS Word] [PDF format]

2. Data File Format Preparation

   To ensure that no information is lost in translation from your native data file format to an archival format and that NODC can port your data to new systems over the long-term, we recommend ASCII character encoding (e.g., csv, txt) or netCDF file format. If possible please avoid the use of commercial proprietary data file formats.

3. Data File Organization Preparation

   in situ observational data: If you plan to use an ASCII file format and organize your data following column headers, we suggest using:

   • Column header names for autonomous (e.g., underway, mooring, etc) data (Download a csv file example)
   • Column header names for profile (e.g., CTD, discrette bottle water samples, etc) data (Download a csv file example)

   Please feel free to leave out variables that you did not collect or include variables that you collected but are not listed in this guidance. Please properly distinguish 'missing values' from 'zero values'.

   experimental/biological response data: Guidelines in preparation

4. Sending Data to NODC for archival

   We have set up a dedicated ftp address for submission of NOAA OAP data to NODC at ftp://ftp.nodc.noaa.gov/pub/incoming/oads/

   FTP using the Unix side:

   • Enter "ftp ftp.nodc.noaa.gov"
   • When prompted for name, enter "anonymous" (use lower case)
   • When prompted for password, enter your e-mail address
   • When logged on, change directory to "incoming" by entering: "cd pub/incoming/incoming/oads/" (Note: You will not be able to create a new directory)
   • Change transfer type to ASCII by entering "ascii" if the data files are text and you are not sending it from a UNIX machine. If the file is an image file, or a special PC format (word processor, spread sheet, presentation graphics) do not change the type to ascii, but make sure the transfer type is binary by entering "bin"
   • Use "put filename", where "filename" is the name of your file, or for multiple files use "mput *.*" or "mput *" to transmit the data. When transferring multiple files you can turn off the prompt for each filename by typing "prompt" before you type the "mput" command
   • After completion of file transmission, enter "ls" to obtain a list of files that were sent, both by you and other recent data submitters
   • Enter "bye" to log off
   • Send an e-mail message to: NODC.Ocean.Acidification@noaa.gov to let us know that data was submitted. Please describe your exact submission procedures and anything else you would like us to know about the data

5. What to Expect Once you data have been submiited to NODC for archival

   Once your OA data and metadata are submitted, your data will be prepared for long-term archival and optimized for OA data discovery and access throug our Geoportal, Live Access Server, OPeNDAP services, and data products where appropriate.

6. To Update your data set after it is submitted to NODC

   Should any changes be needed to a data set that you have submiited, please Send an e-mail message to: NODC.Ocean.Acidification@noaa.gov to let us know

7. What to do if you submitted your data to a data acquisition center (DAC) and not to NODC?

   If you submit your data set to a DAC, we will arrange with the data center to transfer a copy of the data set to NODC after your submission with your permission. To help us do that, please send an email to NODC.Ocean.Acidification@noaa.gov, as soon as the data submission is complete. In the email, please describe:

   • Title of your data set, and any other data set identifiers if available
   • Which data center you submitted your data to
   • Date and time of your data submission
   • A point of contact for future communication concerning this data set (Most likely, OADS staff will contact your research group for questions)

Need Help?

For questions please contact NODC.Ocean.Acidification@noaa.gov

Web page last updated February 27, 2013 3:04 PM