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.
How do I reference and cite the data supporting my publication? [116]
Include a complete bibliographic citation for the data source in the references section of the publication. Refer to the USGS Data Management website section titled "Citing Your Data." [Read more]
What are the requirements related to planning and conducting data collection and research? [115]
USGS data collection and research activities are governed by work plans. Work plans ensure scientific goals are achievable and appropriate to the mission of the USGS. [Read more]
What are some examples of a dataset and a database? [114]
Aggregated data from an analytical laboratory or measurements made directly during fieldwork are examples of datasets. If datasets are combined into a searchable product or system, the product or system is a database. The National Water Information System (NWIS) is a database; data retrieved from NWIS are datasets. [Read more].
Can tables, graphs, and other illustrations showing data that support the scholarly conclusions in a publication with USGS authors qualify as a data release? [094]
No. Representations of data in tables, graphs, plots, maps, and other illustrations in such publications cannot qualify as a data release because they do not comply with open data requirements described in the USGS Public Access Plan.
What data qualify as USGS funded scientific data and therefore are subject to USGS open data requirements and must be released to the public? [093]
USGS-funded scientific data are data collected with federally appropriated funds provided to the USGS as part of the congressionally-enacted USGS budget. Data collected with funding from another Federal or a non-Federal cooperator/collaborator are not considered USGS funded data. [Read more]
How are raw data handled? [092]
Raw data refers to digital and nondigital data that are unprocessed and unverified. Raw data must be archived according to the USGS records disposition schedule, can be released as either provisional or approved data, and may be subject to FOIA requirements. [Read more]
What outlets are available for releasing data? [091]
The preferred path for USGS data release is through USGS data repositories or portals (e.g. Science Base, NWIS, BioData) to ensure that the USGS maintains the authoritative copy of the data it releases. [Read more]
If a non-USGS lead author does not release data collected using Federal funds, is the USGS coauthor responsible for providing public access to those data? [090]
Regardless of authorship, if the research was federally funded, then the funding agency is responsible for providing public access to those data. [Read more]
What Federal Government policies require the release of scientific data, and how does the USGS intend to meet these requirements? [088]
OSTP's February 22, 2013 memorandum Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific Research and OMB's memorandum M-13-13, Open Data Policy—Managing Information as an Asset require the release of scientific data. The Public Access to Results of Federally Funded Research at the USGS provides information related to how the Bureau meets these OSTP and OMB requirements. [Read more]
Where can I find additional guidance related to releasing USGS scientific data? [087]
Additional guidance is available on the USGS Data Management web page and the FSP web page.
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]
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]