11.1 Policy
GTOS will provide effective information systems and processes that support and facilitate agreed GTOS functions and activities.
11.2 Discussion
A number of the functions and activities of GTOS outlined in the GTOS Plan, and Sections 3-10 of this Data and Information Plan require or imply the need for information systems support to ensure that the function can operate smoothly and sustainably. Primary amongst these are:
Committee Support: This requires a system to maintain up-to-date terms-of-reference, membership (including contact information) and schedules of all GTOS Panels, Working Groups, Task Groups and the like, as well as associated distribution of documents, agendas, and proceedings.
GTOS Data Centres Directory: As part of the process of designating and linking GTOS Data Centres, a Data Centres Directory must be developed and maintained providing summarised information on the roles, functions, and capacity of each Centre and links to related GTOS datasets and products in the Metadatabase. (Suggested content of the Centres Directory is provided in Appendix 3).
Resource Directory: As noted in Section 9 - Harmonisation, it is important for GTOS to be aware of existing and developing standards related to terrestrial ecosystems information, as well as a range of other scientific issues. A central resource directory is needed to hold institutional and contact information obtained from such action items as in Section 9.3, as well as information and links to institutions having relevant expertise, potential data sources and Data Centres identified by the Science Panels or other bodies.
TEMS: The Terrestrial Ecological Monitoring Sites (TEMS) database is a directory of data (metadatabase) describing monitoring stations and their activities. Proposed actions relating to TEMS are detailed in the GTOS Implementation Plan and are not repeated herein.
The above are all examples of co-ordination and management functions which are required for the operation of GTOS. The question of funding for the Secretariat must be addressed before any long-term strategy can be planned realistically. Thus the actions listed below have been restricted to that pertaining to DCs and a general item concerning systems to provide GTOS support. It should be noted that the Secretariat has already set up some information infrastructure, including a Web page which can be expanded and linked to other sites as requirements are defined.
11.3 Actions
Design and implement a Data Centres Directory (as Data Centres are designated)
Plan for systems to support GTOS operations
