DataBits Newsletter, Fall 2014

Welcome to the Fall 2014 issue of Databits. The articles submitted for this issue cover a range of topics. A thought-provoking commentary presents a vision for archiving simulation model data and code – perhaps some of our readers will address current and emerging capabilities on that topic in a future issue. A guest contributor shares her experience in an exciting new program in Data Curation at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. LTER and DataONE combine forces to address a complex data synthesis challenge that is relevant to all LTER sites. Another feature article highlights a collaborative effort between scientists, artists, programmers, and educators to develop a visualization and sonification of the water cycle, driven by real-time sensor data. And finally, it wouldn’t be Databits without a discussion of metadata. In this issue, we hear about new EML capabilities in the GCE Toolbox that improve interoperability with PASTA, and provide new features for workflow-driven data analysis. A second metadata article provides guidance on improving data discovery by internet search engines through the use of schema.org attributes in our web pages.

The balance of articles address data visualization, capturing spatial coordinates, and a useful R package – they are sure to provide helpful tips and inspiration. DataBits continues as a semi-annual electronic publication of the Long Term Ecological Research Network. It is designed to provide a timely, online resource for research information managers and is supported by rotating co-editors.

Editors: Mary Martin (HBR), Wade Sheldon (GCE)

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