View more stories by categories: DataBits

Matt Jones explains the grid computing concept and describes a major new grid computing initiative for ecologists; Bill Michener fleshes out the context of that initiative with a sketch of SEEK, a wide-reaching grant for information technology in ecology. Peter Arzberger and others give us an insider’s look at an international grid computing effort for environmental science. Chad Berkley and Peter McCartney bring us up to date on the latest tools for doing ecology “on the grid”. Then, Matt Jones is back to unveil the long-awaited release of EML 2.0, and David Blankman gives us a candid introduction to the world of data modeling.

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 to incorporate rotating co-editorship. Availability is through web browsing as well as hardcopy output. LTER mail list IMplus will receive DataBits publication notification. Others may subscribe by sending email to majordomo@lternet.edu with two lines “subscribe databits” and “end” as the message body. To communicate suggestions, articles, and/or interest in co-editing, send email to databits-ed@lternet.edu.

—– Co-editors: Tim Bergsma (KBS), Todd Ackerman (NWT)

Table of Contents

Feature Articles
About this Issue2
SEEK EcoGrid: integrating data and computational resources for ecologyMatthew B. Jones2
Building SEEK: the Science Environment for Ecological KnowledgeWilliam K. Michener5
PRAGMA: The Pacific Rim Application and Grid Middleware AssemblyPeter Arzberger, Tony Fountain, Philip Papadoupoulos6
Monarch: metadata-driven analytical processingChad Berkley8
SEINet: metadata-driven analytical processingPeter McCartney15
A brief overview of Ecological Metadata languageMatthew B. Jones19
Information modeling: concepts, tools, & techniquesDavid Blankman24
News Bits
A whirlwind tour of collaborative practiceKaren Baker and Helena Karasti29
International LTER workshop prioritizes information managementTim Bergsma30
Good Reads
Information EcologyKaren Baker31
The Invisible PresentKaren Baker31
Calendar32