The following is a list of answers to questions frequently asked by new users. For further enquiries on TEMS please contact us at gtos@fao.org.

Q1:What is TEMS? Q2:What is TEMS objective? Q3:When did TEMS begin? Q4:Who manages TEMS? Q5:What are TEMS purposes? Q6:What is a T.Site? Q7:What are the criteria for TEMS registration? Q8:How can I register? Q9:How can update my T.site(s) information? Q10:How many terrestrial Networks are registered? Q11:How many T.Sites are registered? Q12:How many countries are included in TEMS? Q13:How many environmental variables are in the TEMS questionnaire? Q14:What other resources are provided by TEMS? Q15:What is a TEMS module? Q16:What specific searches can I carry out on the TEMS database? Q17:Can I retrieve data and metadata from the T.Site? Q18:Can I register a T.Site off-line ?

Q1: What is TEMS? A1: A database on Terrestrial Ecosystem Monitoring Sites.

Q2: What is TEMS objective? A2: Register terrestrial sites (T.Sites) and relevant networks that carry out long-term terrestrial monitoring and research activities that are useful to the scientific and policy making community. The database provides information on the "who, what and where" of terrestrial ecosystem observations.

Q3: When did TEMS begin? A3: TEMS was originally created in the early 1990's by the Global Environment Monitoring System Programme Activity Centre (GEMS/PAC) of UNEP in Nairobi. The internet version was developed in 1995 by the Swiss Federal Research Institute.

Q4: Who manages TEMS? A4: The Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS) has been managing TEMS since 1995. GTOS is an international programme sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations; the International Council for Science (ICSU); the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) (see Sponsors).

Q5: What are TEMS purposes? A5: · To develop modelling, assessment and research programmes; · Assess the gaps in geographic coverage of key variables; · Link ground and satellite observations; · Evaluate the quality of data and measurement methods; · Identifying T.Sites that need upgrading.

Q6: What is a T.Site? A6: A T.Site is any terrestrial site (includes coastal and wetland areas) where regular research and/or observations are carried out over a long time period and the managers are willing to participate in studies of global or regional change by providing data, information or expertise.

Q7: What are the criteria for TEMS registration? A7: · Click here to access the TEMS admission criteria in PDF. · Relevance of T.site to GTOS issues: Activities of site are directly relevant to one of the five key GTOS priority areas: 1) changes in land quality; 2) availability of freshwater resources; 3) loss of biodiversity; 4) climate change; 5) impacts of pollution and toxicity. · Active data gathering: Actively collect, archive, and/or distribute environmental data on terrestrial/coastal ecosystems. · International interest: Demonstrated interest in international collaboration that is tangible and involves responsible individuals who are committed to this orientation. · Expectation of continuity: A reasonable history of terrestrial observations and/or security of long-term tenure and funding. · Extent of coverage: Either individually or collectively contribute to one or more levels in the Global Hierarchical Observing Strategy (GHOST).

Q10: How many terrestrial Networks are registered? A10: Currently 40 Networks are registered.

Q11: How many T.Sites are registered? A11: More than 2050.

Q12: How many countries are included in TEMS? Q12: Nearly 130.

Q13: How many environmental variables are in the TEMS questionnaire? A13: Nearly 120.

Q14:What other resources are provided by TEMS? A14: Environmental dataholders, Interactive Maps, and Variables description sheet with measurement methods are already or will be provided in TEMS.

Q15: What is a TEMS module? A15: Networks of cooperating T.Sites that have similar research interests are called a module. The current module is related to coastal issues.

Q16: What specific searches can I carry out on the TEMS database? A16: You can carry out searches by: · Name · Country · Network · Variable · Map

Q17: Can I retrieve data and metadata from the T.Site? A17: Yes but it depends on the data access policy of the T.Site: · Open means any user can access the data without constraint; · Limited means users must register and/or have partial access to data; · Controlled means users need a login/password and/or be known to the manager. You can also retrieve metadata and data of long-term measurements via the METADATA & DATA section.

Q18: Can I register a T.Site off-line? A18: Yes, just dowload this questionnaire.

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