Fundamental Science Practices Frequently Asked Questions
What USGS scientific information products must follow FSP?
How does USGS define peer review and what are the FSP peer review requirements?
How is approval granted and what documents at a minimum must be submitted to the approving official?
What is the foundation of FSP?
What Federal Government policies require the release of scientific data, and how does the USGS intend to meet these requirements?
What is considered USGS scientific software and what are the USGS requirements for releasing it?
What types of project progress information can be reported and why is that important?
The frequently asked questions (FAQs) represent a Bureau consensus to ensure interpretations of Fundamental Science Practices (FSP) policies are uniformly applied throughout the USGS. These FAQs provide further explanation of the FSP and related publishing policies, as well as describe the procedures and decision making necessary to meet the policy requirements.
FSP Background
FSP Background
Authorship
Authorship
Review
Review
Approval
Approval
USGS Publication Series
USGS Publication Series
Journal Publications
Journal Publications
Metadata
Metadata
Data
Data
Software
Software
Project Reporting and Cooperator Publications
Project Reporting and Cooperator Publications
Web Pages, Conferences, Abstracts, and Presentations
Web Pages, Conferences, Abstracts, and Presentations
Preprints
Preprints
The FAQs will be updated as necessary and changes in the form of additions or revisions are reflected by date (month/year) as they occur. Questions about the FSP that are not addressed here should be directed to gs_fspac@usgs.gov.
FSP Frequently Asked Questions
FSP Frequently Asked Questions
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How is a names review documented in the internal Information Product Data System (IPDS)? [207] How is a names review documented in the internal Information Product Data System (IPDS)? [207]
A names review is documented in the internal IPDS by adding a reviewer of type “Names review” on the Reviewers tab. Documentation provided by the reviewer, and reconciliation by the author, should be uploaded to the IPDS Documents tab. [Read more]
What resources are available to support a names review? [208] What resources are available to support a names review? [208]
In addition to internal Suggestions to Authors of the Reports of the USGS, 8th Edition, authoritative sources are available for biologic, geologic, geographic, and hydrologic names; Tribal names; and derogatory names, words, and(or) phrases. [Read more]
What is generative artificial intelligence (AI) and how can it be used in USGS scientific information products intended for public release? [209] What is generative artificial intelligence (AI) and how can it be used in USGS scientific information products intended for public release? [209]
Generative AI refers to AI systems capable of generating text, images, or other media in response to prompts by the user. [Read more]
Are there any restrictions for using generative artificial intelligence (AI) outputs directly in USGS scientific information products? [210] Are there any restrictions for using generative artificial intelligence (AI) outputs directly in USGS scientific information products? [210]
Yes, there are restrictions to consider including authorship, images, peer review, and information technology system security.
How does USGS ensure the reliability and accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated outputs? [211] How does USGS ensure the reliability and accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated outputs? [211]
Adherence to FSP ensures all USGS scientific information, including AI-generated outputs, is reliable and accurate. [Read more]
How is unpublished, sensitive, and proprietary USGS information safeguarded when using generative artificial intelligence (AI)? [212] How is unpublished, sensitive, and proprietary USGS information safeguarded when using generative artificial intelligence (AI)? [212]
Authors must be aware of implications regarding privacy, confidentiality, and intellectual property rights before they consider using such information in AI applications. [Read more]
When is a data release required for laboratory quality-control results? [213] When is a data release required for laboratory quality-control results? [213]
It depends on whether the laboratory quality-control results are used as the basis for scientific conclusions.