Task Team Name: International Directory Network (IDN)

Task Team Lead Name and Contact Information:
Lola M. Olsen
Goddard Space Flight Center/Code 610.2
Greenbelt, MD 20771
USA

Purpose/Rationale:

Origin of the Task Team

In 1989, the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Data Working Group (DWG) established the CEOS International Directory Network (IDN). It was established to foster the exchange of information among international partners.

Goals and how they relate to WGISS

The goal of the IDN Task Team is to provide free access to Earth science metadata and to provide links directly to data sets when possible. The IDN facilitates rapid and efficient identification, location, and overview information of Earth science data sets and services using on-line access. Virtual subsets of directory contents are made available as portals to permit users to focus on specific projects, topics, or data centers. A recent example is the Coordinated Enhanced Observing Period (CEOP) portal created for CEOS representatives. Government agencies, organizations, and educational institutions maintain the data holdings described in the IDN worldwide.

Implementation Strategy (or Plan of Action):

High level requirements

• Assure ISO 19115 compatibility
• Integrate and combine keyword searching with free-text searching using Lucene.
• Incorporate hierarchy for Data Centers and Locations valid keywords.
• Incorporate capability to search/refine by Spatial and Temporal Resolution.
• Incorporate model extensions.
• Provide distributed system with Local Database Agent software to synchronize input for datasets and services descriptions through IDN nodes.

Approach / strategy:

• Work schedule
  • MD9-ISO (May 25, 2004)
    ISO 19115 compatible

  • MD9-B (January 2005)
    Integrate and combine keyword searching with free-text searching using Lucene.

  • MD9-C (September 2005)
    Incorporate hierarchy for Data Centers and Locations. (ahead of schedule) Incorporate capability to search/refine by Spatial and Temporal Resolution.

• Specific Responsibilities within the TT (if any TT member or Contributing Agency is in charge of some specific activities tasks. E.g. within WTF projects)

  NASA/GCMD is responsible for the MD software package releases, valid content, and metadata sharing. UNEP, JAXA, and JCADM nodes assist with testing.

• Deliverables

  Next MD Package to be released September 2005.

  IDN Newsletter distributed one month prior to CEOS WGISS meetings.

• Important dates or Milestones

  Next WGISS meeting to be held March 7 -11, 2005 at Cordova, Argentina. The integrated keyword/free-text search will be demonstrated, along with enhanced capabilities for developing portals.

• Expected outcome/impact of the activity

  The expected outcome of the IDN Task Team deliverables is increased interest and usage of the IDN website. In order to achieve this goal, the MD9-B release included:

  • New Earth science and services controlled search interface for easier navigation through hierarchical keyword lists.

  • New refinement boxes with multiple capabilities, such as refinement by choosing from keywords or free-text anywhere in the hierarchy (both DIF and SERF).

  • New customized portal interface with additional navigation features using Java Server Pages (JSP).

  • New JSP customized free-text search interface using Lucene back-end server.

  • Common metadata presentation for both free-text and keyword search.

  • New design for services home page.

  • Improved Subscription Service. Users can subscribe by selecting one or more keywords to be notified of new data sets and services of interest.

  • New form for sending comments and feedback to staff.

Potential External Partnerships:

Representatives from the following agencies participate with the IDN: NASA

USGS