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.
Filter Total Items: 37
What are the review and approval requirements for releasing scientific data to the public? [120] 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]
Can I login and enter data into the USGS ScienceBase before those data have been approved for release? [122] 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]
Where do I get a DOI for USGS data that has been approved for release? [123] 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]
Who may review data and metadata? [124] 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]
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] 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]
What are data management plans or DMPs and why do I need to create them? [126] What are data management plans or DMPs and why do I need to create them? [126]
A DMP outlines data management considerations of a given project to meet responsibility of OMB open data requirements. [Read more]
What information is included in a DMP? [127] What information is included in a DMP? [127]
A DMP includes information about the data and metadata standards to be used and intended actions for managing data. [Read more]
What is the relationship between a project work plan and a DMP? [128] What is the relationship between a project work plan and a DMP? [128]
The overall project work plan of every research project must include a DMP. [Read more]
Where can I find some DMP examples? [129] Where can I find some DMP examples? [129]
DMP examples from various institutions can be found at https://dmptool.org/.
What tools are available to help me create my DMP? [130] What tools are available to help me create my DMP? [130]
The USGS Data Management website provides guidance on developing DMPs and understanding data management best practices. [Read more]
Can a Science Center-wide plan be leveraged for my project-specific DMP? [131] Can a Science Center-wide plan be leveraged for my project-specific DMP? [131]
Yes. Some centers have developed guidance for data management. It is important that project-specific details are captured in the DMP. [Read more]
What if I do not know all the details of how my data will be managed? [132] What if I do not know all the details of how my data will be managed? [132]
A data management plan (DMP) is helpful for staff in your program or center thinking about and become committed to data management responsibilities before a project begins. You may need data management input from other staff and experts. If data management details change, your DMP should be updated to reflect those changes. [Read more]
Who is responsible for ensuring that DMPs are developed and implemented for each project within a center or office? [133] Who is responsible for ensuring that DMPs are developed and implemented for each project within a center or office? [133]
Science Center Directors or their designees ensure compliance with data management requirements for data produced in their centers or offices and consult with other managers, scientists, and staff as needed with regard to carrying out data management activities, including ensuring the development of data management plans. [Read more]
Who owns the data collected during research or produced as an information product on behalf of the USGS? [176] Who owns the data collected during research or produced as an information product on behalf of the USGS? [176]
Data collected on behalf of the USGS or by using USGS funds belong to the USGS and not to the individual who collected the data. The DMP should specify data ownership, the data preservation responsibilities, and party responsible for providing the data to the public. [Read more]
What are the policy requirements for USGS authors regarding use of "unpublished data" or "personal communication" (including written, oral or verbal communication) when citing data used to support scholarly publications? [177] What are the policy requirements for USGS authors regarding use of "unpublished data" or "personal communication" (including written, oral or verbal communication) when citing data used to support scholarly publications? [177]
All supporting digital research data approved for release for final accepted manuscripts or final publications must be freely available for public access at the same time as or before the official publication date, with some exceptions allowed. [Read more]
Is a data release required for USGS-funded data included in a cooperator publication? [186] Is a data release required for USGS-funded data included in a cooperator publication? [186]
Yes. If data collection for a cooperator publication is USGS-funded, a publicly accessible data release is required prior to or simultaneously with release of the associated cooperator publication. An acceptable digital repository for the data release should be identified in the data management plan or agreement. [Read more]