Compared to the other Observing Systems, GTOS is relatively immature with regard to defining its scope and modus operandi. The domain of "GTOS Data", the intended user community, and the scope and systematics of observing and assessment methodologies continue to be matters under discussion. Within the agreed general concepts indicated in the GTOS Plan, a number of scientific and methodological issues will likely remain un-resolved for some time, and will evolve as experience is gained and opportunities arise. In some respects, therefore, it is premature to develop data and information policies and plans at a detailed level (for instance, specifications for quality management practices).
In discussions at the Working Group for Data and Information at the Steering Committee meeting in June 1998, in informal feedback on the first draft of this Data and Information Plan, and in earlier fora, a number of information management issues have been raised on which there is not yet a consensus. Some key examples follow:
Identification, "registration" or "labelling" of GTOS Products, especially regarding whether primary datasets can be considered GTOS products without raising concerns of ownership (See Section 2.2 and Appendix 1).
Whether there is a need for "types" or classes of designated GTOS Data Centre, and to what degree all DCs should be harmonised with regard to information management.
Management of non-technical concerns over data "ownership" and appropriate citation of sources, and how to limit the use of GTOS data and products to legitimate scientific and policy development purposes.
Extent to which GTOS can have a consistent approach with regard to high quality and reliability of data without imposing standards or overly restricting the methodological options of partners.
Setting priorities for data and products, and identifying target "core datasets".
Another issue, not strictly related to information management is the identification and promotion of the benefits of becoming a GTOS partner and/or Data Centre. At the present time benefits can only be seen as "soft". Easy access to the information holdings of other partners is one such potential benefit that needs to be made more tangible, e.g. through the early development and distribution of a metadatabase.
These issues are flagged to further emphasise the need to involve and evolve, and to be "ruthlessly practical" (Section 2.1) in approaching data and information management in the short term, so as to make progress while these issues are being gradually addressed and resolved.
