IMI30: Secure Data Archive
The perpetual integrity of data sets is a priority for the marine geoscience community. As expressed by the FUMAGES Solid Earth Working Group, "the rapidly growing acquisition rate of data and samples requires more effective and standardized data management and publication. We risk losing vast amounts of data in the files or hard drives of individual investigators. Data bases, sample archives and standardized data management are necessary complements to publication of research papers, and are likely to be of even longer-lasting value."
HMRG has standardized the archival and dissemination of HAWAII MR-1 data, and will follow the same model for data from the IMI-30. All metadata associated with HMRG sonar surveys are currently accessible via the world wide web, as are cruise reports, data processing documentation, and chart products. Proprietary data sets are password protected, allowing researchers immediate access to all available information regarding their surveys, while maintaining the confidentiality of their data. Once data sets enter the public domain, password protection is turned off so that the data become universally available. We encourage you to visit our data archive at:
http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/HMRG/MR1/Archives/MR1_ArchiveFrame.htm
Use the following instructions to view MR1 data and documentation for Dr Patricia Fryer's 1997 Marianas survey:
1. From the left-hand panel, select "1997 Cruises"
2. From the 1997 survey menu, select "MW9719"
3. Use the menu options to view general cruise information, sidescan and bathymetry charts, and data processing documentation.
HMRG delivers all digital data from each survey to the involved PIs. However, HMRG also maintains an on-site data archive to insure the secure, redundant storage of all raw and processed data collected by HMRG sonars. Currently supported media include 8mm data cartridges, digital linear tape, and CD-ROM, as well as on-line data repositories. HMRG migrates digital data to faster, higher density storage media as new technologies become available, and future plans include porting all HMRG data to DVD. Data from the IMI-30 will be archived in the same manner.