FSP FAQs: Data
Fundamental Science Practices addressing planning and conducting data collection, policies for data review, responsibilities for release, digital object identifiers, outlets for release (ScienceBase, digital repositories), cataloging metadata.
May I obtain a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) for historical USGS data created before October 1, 2016, when the USGS public-access requirements went into effect? [125]
Yes, you may obtain a DOI for these data. Considerations apply. A DOI may be obtained using the USGS DOI Creation Tool. [Read more]
Who may review data and metadata? [124]
A qualified individual or separate individuals possessing technical expertise, familiarity with data may conduct data and metadata reviews. [Read more]
Where do I get a DOI for USGS data that has been approved for release? [123]
DOIs are assigned during data release preparation in separate USGS repositories. Additional info available on data management website. [Read more]
Can I login and enter data into the USGS ScienceBase before those data have been approved for release? [122]
Yes. Users with restricted/private permissions may manage data in ScienceBase prior to formal release. [Read more]
What are the review and approval requirements for releasing scientific data to the public? [120]
Data intended for public release are subject to USGS FSP requirements including one data review and one metadata review, reconciliation, and Bureau approval by Science Center Directors or their designees. Data are never placed in the IPDS. [Read more]
What are the recordkeeping requirements regarding research activities? [119]
Documentation and recordkeeping requirements associated with data collection and research activities are found in the USGS Mission-Specific Disposition Schedules and General Records Disposition Schedules.
What are FSP requirements for release of research data collected by USGS but funded by external cooperators? [118]
If data are collected by USGS employees, students, emeritus and other volunteers, and contractors to benefit the USGS, or using USGS funds, it is the responsibility of the USGS to ensure appropriate release. An agreement between the cooperator/collaborator and USGS should specify the data management responsibilities. [Read more]
What data responsibilities need to be included in cooperator/collaborator agreements or contracts? [113]
The agreement or contract with the cooperators/collaborators should specify data management responsibilities, including curation and release. This information should also be included in the USGS project DMP; scientific data must be reviewed and include metadata. [Read more].
What about using non-Federal data repositories to provide or host the required public access to my data? [112]
Use of non-Federal repositories is acceptable however the authoritative copy of the data must be hosted on USGS servers or a federally maintained data service. A metadata record must be included in the USGS Science Data Catalog that includes a DOI link to the data source. [Read more]
How do FSP requirements for release of scientific software compare to those for release of scientific data? [060]
USGS scientific software and data follow the same basic FSP requirements for review and approval and both are considered noninterpretive information. Both releases are subject to the requirements of the 2013 OSTP directive on increasing access to the results of federally funded scientific research. [Read more]
What requirements apply to USGS data made available in non-USGS acceptable digital repositories? [056]
For USGS data products stored in non-USGS repositories, review, approval, release, and preservation requirements apply. A copy of the metadata record that describes the data asset and includes a resolvable Digital Object Identifier (DOI), must be added to the USGS Science Data Catalog, using the individual metadata upload page. [Read more]
What is a USGS author's obligation when data collected by an outside source are used (with permission) in a USGS scientific information product and have not been publicly released by the data collector, and who is responsible for releasing the data? [117]
If the party collecting the data is another Federal agency, that agency has the primary responsibility for releasing the data according to their specific requirements. [Read more]