ScienceBase Updates - Summer 2016
Summer 2016 topics include information on the ScienceBase User Agreement, transforming FGDC Metadata to ISO, helping science centers release data, and a tip on ScienceBase as a platform for data release.
ScienceBase User AgreementIn April 2016, the ScienceBase team released a new User Agreement. The User Agreement was presented to all users the first time they logged into the system after the agreement was released. Users can anticipate seeing an updated version of the agreement annually. The document goes over the intended use and acceptable content for ScienceBase, but also includes information that might be of interest to ScienceBase users. For example, the User Agreement explains ScienceBase’s backup procedures and file size limitations. The document also goes over the level of service that users can expect from the ScienceBase team when submitting a USGS data release. If you would like to revisit the details of the User Agreement, please visit the following link: https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/userAgreement/show. Helping Science Centers Release DataWe’ve started a “ScienceBase data release network” for science centers and programs that would like to use ScienceBase to release their data and meet the USGS Open Data Policies by October 1. Our goal is to make sure they have the resources and information they need to develop a streamlined workflow. People who could benefit from joining this group include data managers, those developing data release workflows, and anyone who is in a support role for data release at their center or program. The network includes:
We hope that this network will enable centers and programs to have more autonomy in the ScienceBase data release process and develop stronger connections with our team. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact sciencebase@usgs.gov.
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Transforming FGDC Metadata to ISO
ScienceBase can now transform metadata records in the FGDC-CSDGM standard to the ISO 19115-2 standard using the transform and API services developed by NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. This new conversion feature can help improve the sharing of information across two major metadata standards. For more information about the ISO metadata standard please visit https://www.fgdc.gov/metadata/iso-standards.
Please note that due to the inherent differences between the standards and the configuration of the NOAA transform schema, the conversion from FGDC-CSDGM to ISO may not result in a complete transfer of information. Users should review the transformed ISO metadata record to ensure that information was migrated properly; additional edits might be needed in some cases. Users should also note that at this time ScienceBase is currently restricted to a limited number of API service calls to NOAA per day. Please contact ScienceBase@usgs.gov if you have any questions.
The transform that ScienceBase employs, courtesy of NOAA, is also available publicly at the following link: https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/docucomp/recordServices.
How to Transform a FGDC-CSDGM Metadata Record to the ISO 19115-2 Standard
When a FGDC-CSDGM metadata record is uploaded to a ScienceBase item page, users can scroll down to the “Attached Files” section and select the gear icon.
A user will be taken to a page where the attached files are displayed. Users can click on the gear icon to the left of their FGDC-CSDGM metadata file and select the option to “Transform”. Select the “Transform Type” and hit the “Transform” button.
A message will indicate if the record was successfully transformed and the resulting ISO XML file will be attached back to the ScienceBase item as a new file attachment (the original FGDC-CSDGM file will also remain attached and unchanged).
Users can click the hyperlinked XML file name to download the new ISO metadata file locally.
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