5.2.1 Ocean Data Sources inventory pilot service

This agenda item was introduced by Mr Tobias Spears (by Skype) referring to Document IOC/IODE-XXV/5.2. It was noted that a demo was provided during the IODE-XXV Scientific Conference by Mr Arno Lambert.

Following the IWG-ODIS meeting in 2018, an initial ODIS prototype was developed by VLIZ (Flanders Marine Institute) to foster discussions on ODIS catalogue content, functionality, and user experience. Although the first prototype was published very quickly (using a pre-existing metadata profile supported by VLIZ on another project), there was no agreement on adopting the search facilities and user experience provided by the tool.

With the development of the proposed ODIS metadata scheme in collaboration with ETDMP, there was sufficient analysis completed of semantic requirements, business rules, and potential integration with other systems (OceanExpert) to guide a second prototype development project to be led by the IODE project office. This subsequent effort supports the submission and maintenance of ODIS sources in addition to delivering the discovery/access services, along with the development of core process and governance. Although this work closes Task (vi) from the ODIS terms of reference for the current development iteration, it is expected that the functional requirements and specifications for ODIS will continue to be re-visited as ODIS continues to evolve.

The Committee was informed that there had been an opportunity to enter/update information in the pilot site during the scientific conference. Committee members were invited to contact Mr Arno Lambert during the Session for further input/editing (during coffee breaks).

The Committee invited IODE community members to enter and/or update records in the ODIS Catalogue of Sources.

The Committee noted the importance of the ability of ODISCat to continue to evolve. The ODISCat concept, the metadata scheme, and semantics should all evolve and have a place in the workplan. Community engagement will be essential to further develop and improve the Catalogue.

The Committee noted the importance of early consultation of end users through relevant organizations and instructed the project, being established through Recommendation IODE- XXV/5.2.1, to define clear objectives (undertake a needs assessment).

The Committee decided that the URL for the ODIS Catalogue of Sources (ODISCat) should be catalogue.odis.org

5.2.2

The Committee adopted Recommendation IODE-XXV/5.2.1

Current IODE and other IOC programme products and services that should be included in ODIS

This agenda item was introduced by Mr Tobias Spears (by Skype).

ODIS is intended to support the registration of a variety of sources, ranging from data and information, to systems such as catalogues/portals/webs sites, to manuals/guidance/standards. IODE and other IOC programs have the potential to contribute many types of resources to ODIS. Examples include:

•   Data catalogue - IODE Ocean Data Portal (catalogue component)