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Frances Lightsom

Fran LIghtsom's (she/her) professional calling is to make scientific information available to the world so that people can make wiser choices about how to live. I pursue this calling as a manager of people and projects that manage data, by serving as the USGS Ocean Data Ambassador, and by working with teams and committees that improve the quality and availability of our scientific products.

Science and Products

link
Image Collage of Landsat, pollinator, and volcanologist

Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest, which reduce
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
link

Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest, which reduce
Learn More
link
Woods Hole data library front door

Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Data Library

The Data Library maintains the data produced by research at the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (WHCMSC) and provides access to a wide variety of digital data through online portals. In addition, visitors to the library can examine the original analog data in person and request copies for use in their own research projects.
By
Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
link

Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Data Library

The Data Library maintains the data produced by research at the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (WHCMSC) and provides access to a wide variety of digital data through online portals. In addition, visitors to the library can examine the original analog data in person and request copies for use in their own research projects.
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world logo

Building a Roadmap for Making Data FAIR in the U.S. Geological Survey

FAIR is an international set of principles for improving the findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability of research data and other digital products. The PIs for this CDI project planned and hosted a workshop of USGS data stakeholders, data professionals, and managers of USGS data systems from across the Bureau’s Mission Areas. Workshop participants shared case studies that foste...
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
link

Building a Roadmap for Making Data FAIR in the U.S. Geological Survey

FAIR is an international set of principles for improving the findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability of research data and other digital products. The PIs for this CDI project planned and hosted a workshop of USGS data stakeholders, data professionals, and managers of USGS data systems from across the Bureau’s Mission Areas. Workshop participants shared case studies that foste...
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world logo

Content Specifications to Enable USGS Transition to ISO Metadata Standard

USGS will soon transition to the international metadata standards known collectively as ISO 19115. The open-ended nature of ISO benefits with much greater flexibility and vocabulary to describe research products. However, that flexibility means few constraints that can guide authors and ensure standardized, robust documentation across the bureau. This project proposed that the USGS data community
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
link

Content Specifications to Enable USGS Transition to ISO Metadata Standard

USGS will soon transition to the international metadata standards known collectively as ISO 19115. The open-ended nature of ISO benefits with much greater flexibility and vocabulary to describe research products. However, that flexibility means few constraints that can guide authors and ensure standardized, robust documentation across the bureau. This project proposed that the USGS data community
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world logo

Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest, which reduce
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
link

Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest, which reduce
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world logo

Use of Controlled Vocabularies in USGS Information Applications: Requirements Analysis for Automated Processes and Services (Bureau-wide Application)

Large online data catalogs use controlled vocabularies to categorize datasets in ways that allow end users to sort and select data matching their needs. The eventual goal of this project is to build functional services so that the USGS Thesaurus and other USGS-controlled vocabularies will be available to the English-speaking scientific community, especially within the USGS where they can be used t
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
link

Use of Controlled Vocabularies in USGS Information Applications: Requirements Analysis for Automated Processes and Services (Bureau-wide Application)

Large online data catalogs use controlled vocabularies to categorize datasets in ways that allow end users to sort and select data matching their needs. The eventual goal of this project is to build functional services so that the USGS Thesaurus and other USGS-controlled vocabularies will be available to the English-speaking scientific community, especially within the USGS where they can be used t
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 20

Documentation of the U.S. Geological Survey Oceanographic time-series measurement database

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Oceanographic Time-Series Measurement Database contains oceanographic observations made as part of studies designed to increase understanding of sediment transport processes and associated dynamics. Analysis of these data has contributed to more accurate prediction of the movement and fate of sediments and other suspended materials in the coastal ocean. The measur
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Community for Data Integration 2016 annual report

The Community for Data Integration (CDI) represents a dynamic community of practice focused on advancing science data and information management and integration capabilities across the U.S. Geological Survey and the CDI community. This annual report describes the various presentations, activities, and outcomes of the CDI monthly forums, working groups, virtual training series, and other CDI-sponso
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Community for Data Integration (CDI)

Community for Data Integration 2015 annual report

The Community for Data Integration (CDI) continued to experience success in fiscal year 2015. The CDI community members have been sharing, learning, and collaborating through monthly forums, workshops, working groups, and funded projects. In fiscal year 2015, CDI coordinated 10 monthly forums with 16 different speakers from the U.S. Geological Survey and external partners; funded 11 collaborative
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Community for Data Integration (CDI), Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Community for Data Integration 2014 annual report

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researches Earth science to help address complex issues affecting society and the environment. In 2006, the USGS held the first Scientific Information Management Workshop to bring together staff from across the organization to discuss the data and information management issues affecting the integration and delivery of Earth science research and investigate the use
By
Ecosystems, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Community for Data Integration (CDI), Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

A case study of data integration for aquatic resources using semantic web technologies

Use cases, information modeling, and linked data techniques are Semantic Web technologies used to develop a prototype system that integrates scientific observations from four independent USGS and cooperator data systems. The techniques were tested with a use case goal of creating a data set for use in exploring potential relationships among freshwater fish populations and environmental factors. Th
By
Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Community for Data Integration (CDI), Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS)

Community for Data Integration 2013 Annual Report

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducts earth science to help address complex issues affecting society and the environment. In 2006, the USGS held the first Scientific Information Management Workshop to bring together staff from across the organization to discuss the data and information management issues affecting the integration and delivery of earth science research and investigate the use o
By
Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Community for Data Integration (CDI)

Data categories for marine planning

The U.S. National Ocean Policy calls for a science- and ecosystem-based approach to comprehensive planning and management of human activities and their impacts on America’s oceans. The Ocean Community in Data.gov is an outcome of 2010–2011 work by an interagency working group charged with designing a national information management system to support ocean planning. Within the working group, a smal
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Polygons of global undersea features for geographic searches

A shapefile of 311 undersea features from all major oceans and seas has been created as an aid for retrieving georeferenced information resources. Geospatial information systems with the capability to search user-defined, polygonal geographic areas will be able to utilize this shapefile or secondary products derived from it, such as linked data based on well-known text representations of the indiv
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Shapefile for Coastal Zone Management Program counties of the United States and its territories, 2009 (CZMP_counties_2009.shp)

A shapefile of 492 Coastal Zone Management Program counties of the United States and its territories, current for the ground condition in 2009, has been extracted from the U.S. Census Bureau MAF/TIGER database. Geospatial information systems with the capability to search user-defined, polygonal geographic areas will be able to utilize this shapefile or secondary products derived from it, such as w
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Constructing Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) for Searching the Marine Realms Information Bank

The Marine Realms Information Bank (MRIB) is a digital library that provides access to free online scientific information about the oceans and coastal regions. To search its collection, MRIB uses a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) program, which allows automated search requests using Uniform Resource Locators (URLs). This document provides an overview of how to construct URLs to execute MRIB queries
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

How to Use the Marine Realms Information Bank (MRIB) Digital Libraries

Marine Realms Information Bank (MRIB) digital libraries provide access to free online scientific resources about oceans, coasts, and coastal watersheds. MRIB allows category, geographic, and keyword searching, alone or in combination. Instructions for searching the three MRIB libraries and for refining the searches are explained in detail.
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Long-term oceanographic observations in Massachusetts Bay, 1989-2006

This data report presents long-term oceanographic observations made in western Massachusetts Bay at long-term site A (LT-A) (42 deg 22.6' N., 70 deg 47.0' W.; nominal water depth 32 meters) from December 1989 through February 2006 and long-term site B (LT-B) (42 deg 9.8' N., 70 deg 38.4' W.; nominal water depth 22 meters) from October 1997 through February 2004 (fig. 1). The observations were coll
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

USGS ISO Content Specifications

A repository for USGS ISO metadata content specifications. Content specifications define documentation requirements for various USGS data and software products. These specs are used to guide authors in developing robust standardized metadata using the ISO 19115 suite of metadata standards. The repository is used for development, testing and implementation of content spec modules. It contains guida
By
Alaska Science Center
link

Aligning International Initiatives for Promoting and Assessing FAIR Data

The Research Data Alliance (RDA) Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable (FAIR) Data Maturity Model Working Group: Aligning Initiatives for...

Read Article
link

The USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Data Catalog

The USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Data Catalog makes research data easier to find by offering a preselected collection of metadata (“data about data...

Read Article
link

In Search of a Solid Footing for Offshore Wind Turbines

It is essential to identify areas of the seafloor that will provide a stable foundation for wind turbine towers over the long term. Knowledge of...

Read Article
link

Re-Evaluating the Causes and Hazards of South Carolina Earthquakes

Unlike many other parts of the world where earthquakes occur along boundaries between tectonic plates, South Carolina earthquakes result from the...

Read Article
link

New Quaternary Geology Map Reuses Decades-Old USGS Data

For the past several years, the USGS Eastern Geology and Paleoclimate Science Center has been working to produce a new Quaternary geologic map for...

Read Article

Science and Products

  • Science
    link
    Image Collage of Landsat, pollinator, and volcanologist

    Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

    The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest, which reduce
    By
    Community for Data Integration (CDI)
    link

    Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

    The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest, which reduce
    Learn More
    link
    Woods Hole data library front door

    Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Data Library

    The Data Library maintains the data produced by research at the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (WHCMSC) and provides access to a wide variety of digital data through online portals. In addition, visitors to the library can examine the original analog data in person and request copies for use in their own research projects.
    By
    Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
    link

    Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Data Library

    The Data Library maintains the data produced by research at the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (WHCMSC) and provides access to a wide variety of digital data through online portals. In addition, visitors to the library can examine the original analog data in person and request copies for use in their own research projects.
    Learn More
    link
    USGS science for a changing world logo

    Building a Roadmap for Making Data FAIR in the U.S. Geological Survey

    FAIR is an international set of principles for improving the findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability of research data and other digital products. The PIs for this CDI project planned and hosted a workshop of USGS data stakeholders, data professionals, and managers of USGS data systems from across the Bureau’s Mission Areas. Workshop participants shared case studies that foste...
    By
    Community for Data Integration (CDI)
    link

    Building a Roadmap for Making Data FAIR in the U.S. Geological Survey

    FAIR is an international set of principles for improving the findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability of research data and other digital products. The PIs for this CDI project planned and hosted a workshop of USGS data stakeholders, data professionals, and managers of USGS data systems from across the Bureau’s Mission Areas. Workshop participants shared case studies that foste...
    Learn More
    link
    USGS science for a changing world logo

    Content Specifications to Enable USGS Transition to ISO Metadata Standard

    USGS will soon transition to the international metadata standards known collectively as ISO 19115. The open-ended nature of ISO benefits with much greater flexibility and vocabulary to describe research products. However, that flexibility means few constraints that can guide authors and ensure standardized, robust documentation across the bureau. This project proposed that the USGS data community
    By
    Community for Data Integration (CDI)
    link

    Content Specifications to Enable USGS Transition to ISO Metadata Standard

    USGS will soon transition to the international metadata standards known collectively as ISO 19115. The open-ended nature of ISO benefits with much greater flexibility and vocabulary to describe research products. However, that flexibility means few constraints that can guide authors and ensure standardized, robust documentation across the bureau. This project proposed that the USGS data community
    Learn More
    link
    USGS science for a changing world logo

    Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

    The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest, which reduce
    By
    Community for Data Integration (CDI)
    link

    Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

    The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest, which reduce
    Learn More
    link
    USGS science for a changing world logo

    Use of Controlled Vocabularies in USGS Information Applications: Requirements Analysis for Automated Processes and Services (Bureau-wide Application)

    Large online data catalogs use controlled vocabularies to categorize datasets in ways that allow end users to sort and select data matching their needs. The eventual goal of this project is to build functional services so that the USGS Thesaurus and other USGS-controlled vocabularies will be available to the English-speaking scientific community, especially within the USGS where they can be used t
    By
    Community for Data Integration (CDI)
    link

    Use of Controlled Vocabularies in USGS Information Applications: Requirements Analysis for Automated Processes and Services (Bureau-wide Application)

    Large online data catalogs use controlled vocabularies to categorize datasets in ways that allow end users to sort and select data matching their needs. The eventual goal of this project is to build functional services so that the USGS Thesaurus and other USGS-controlled vocabularies will be available to the English-speaking scientific community, especially within the USGS where they can be used t
    Learn More
  • Publications
    Filter Total Items: 20

    Documentation of the U.S. Geological Survey Oceanographic time-series measurement database

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Oceanographic Time-Series Measurement Database contains oceanographic observations made as part of studies designed to increase understanding of sediment transport processes and associated dynamics. Analysis of these data has contributed to more accurate prediction of the movement and fate of sediments and other suspended materials in the coastal ocean. The measur
    By
    Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

    Community for Data Integration 2016 annual report

    The Community for Data Integration (CDI) represents a dynamic community of practice focused on advancing science data and information management and integration capabilities across the U.S. Geological Survey and the CDI community. This annual report describes the various presentations, activities, and outcomes of the CDI monthly forums, working groups, virtual training series, and other CDI-sponso
    By
    Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Community for Data Integration (CDI)

    Community for Data Integration 2015 annual report

    The Community for Data Integration (CDI) continued to experience success in fiscal year 2015. The CDI community members have been sharing, learning, and collaborating through monthly forums, workshops, working groups, and funded projects. In fiscal year 2015, CDI coordinated 10 monthly forums with 16 different speakers from the U.S. Geological Survey and external partners; funded 11 collaborative
    By
    Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Community for Data Integration (CDI), Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

    Community for Data Integration 2014 annual report

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researches Earth science to help address complex issues affecting society and the environment. In 2006, the USGS held the first Scientific Information Management Workshop to bring together staff from across the organization to discuss the data and information management issues affecting the integration and delivery of Earth science research and investigate the use
    By
    Ecosystems, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Community for Data Integration (CDI), Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    A case study of data integration for aquatic resources using semantic web technologies

    Use cases, information modeling, and linked data techniques are Semantic Web technologies used to develop a prototype system that integrates scientific observations from four independent USGS and cooperator data systems. The techniques were tested with a use case goal of creating a data set for use in exploring potential relationships among freshwater fish populations and environmental factors. Th
    By
    Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Community for Data Integration (CDI), Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS)

    Community for Data Integration 2013 Annual Report

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducts earth science to help address complex issues affecting society and the environment. In 2006, the USGS held the first Scientific Information Management Workshop to bring together staff from across the organization to discuss the data and information management issues affecting the integration and delivery of earth science research and investigate the use o
    By
    Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Community for Data Integration (CDI)

    Data categories for marine planning

    The U.S. National Ocean Policy calls for a science- and ecosystem-based approach to comprehensive planning and management of human activities and their impacts on America’s oceans. The Ocean Community in Data.gov is an outcome of 2010–2011 work by an interagency working group charged with designing a national information management system to support ocean planning. Within the working group, a smal
    By
    Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

    Polygons of global undersea features for geographic searches

    A shapefile of 311 undersea features from all major oceans and seas has been created as an aid for retrieving georeferenced information resources. Geospatial information systems with the capability to search user-defined, polygonal geographic areas will be able to utilize this shapefile or secondary products derived from it, such as linked data based on well-known text representations of the indiv
    By
    Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

    Shapefile for Coastal Zone Management Program counties of the United States and its territories, 2009 (CZMP_counties_2009.shp)

    A shapefile of 492 Coastal Zone Management Program counties of the United States and its territories, current for the ground condition in 2009, has been extracted from the U.S. Census Bureau MAF/TIGER database. Geospatial information systems with the capability to search user-defined, polygonal geographic areas will be able to utilize this shapefile or secondary products derived from it, such as w
    By
    Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

    Constructing Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) for Searching the Marine Realms Information Bank

    The Marine Realms Information Bank (MRIB) is a digital library that provides access to free online scientific information about the oceans and coastal regions. To search its collection, MRIB uses a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) program, which allows automated search requests using Uniform Resource Locators (URLs). This document provides an overview of how to construct URLs to execute MRIB queries
    By
    Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

    How to Use the Marine Realms Information Bank (MRIB) Digital Libraries

    Marine Realms Information Bank (MRIB) digital libraries provide access to free online scientific resources about oceans, coasts, and coastal watersheds. MRIB allows category, geographic, and keyword searching, alone or in combination. Instructions for searching the three MRIB libraries and for refining the searches are explained in detail.
    By
    Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

    Long-term oceanographic observations in Massachusetts Bay, 1989-2006

    This data report presents long-term oceanographic observations made in western Massachusetts Bay at long-term site A (LT-A) (42 deg 22.6' N., 70 deg 47.0' W.; nominal water depth 32 meters) from December 1989 through February 2006 and long-term site B (LT-B) (42 deg 9.8' N., 70 deg 38.4' W.; nominal water depth 22 meters) from October 1997 through February 2004 (fig. 1). The observations were coll
    By
    Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
  • Software

    USGS ISO Content Specifications

    A repository for USGS ISO metadata content specifications. Content specifications define documentation requirements for various USGS data and software products. These specs are used to guide authors in developing robust standardized metadata using the ISO 19115 suite of metadata standards. The repository is used for development, testing and implementation of content spec modules. It contains guida
    By
    Alaska Science Center
  • News
    link

    Aligning International Initiatives for Promoting and Assessing FAIR Data

    The Research Data Alliance (RDA) Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable (FAIR) Data Maturity Model Working Group: Aligning Initiatives for...

    Read Article
    link

    The USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Data Catalog

    The USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Data Catalog makes research data easier to find by offering a preselected collection of metadata (“data about data...

    Read Article
    link

    In Search of a Solid Footing for Offshore Wind Turbines

    It is essential to identify areas of the seafloor that will provide a stable foundation for wind turbine towers over the long term. Knowledge of...

    Read Article
    link

    Re-Evaluating the Causes and Hazards of South Carolina Earthquakes

    Unlike many other parts of the world where earthquakes occur along boundaries between tectonic plates, South Carolina earthquakes result from the...

    Read Article
    link

    New Quaternary Geology Map Reuses Decades-Old USGS Data

    For the past several years, the USGS Eastern Geology and Paleoclimate Science Center has been working to produce a new Quaternary geologic map for...

    Read Article