Managing raw data

[Fred Stoss <fstoss@acsu.buffalo.edu>]

There is a model for monitoring raw data in a rather productive,
proactive, and efficient manner.

The World Data Centers were created in response to the data 
generated by the 1957-58 International Geophysical Year. They
survive and thrive today more than 40 years after their creation.

These data centers represent world-wide attention and focus to 
geochemical and Earth system dynamics, including meteorology, 
oceanography, seismology, solar influences, etc.. See the October 
1998 issue of the AGI magazine, Geotimes, for an article on the 
WDCs.

The WDC model could be used to address other environemntal topics
and issues, provided there was support and funding. There are in 
place exisiting information analysis centers and data archives,
as well as academic centers that could serve as stewards of such
environmental data centers.

Much of the discussions during this dialogue have been directed
to issues of hazardous wastes.

There are also other areas in ecological modelling and monitoring
for which data is being generated.

I am very surprised that there has been no mention of efforts
of the National Biological Information Infrastructure (nor any
participation by NBII) in this dialogue. There are many solutions
to our environmental data and information problems. The major
factor preventing their resolution is providing adequate funding
support them and more effective means to promote them.

Fred Stoss
University at Buffalo