What are the benefits for assigning DOI to Geodetic data? First ideas of the GGOS DOI Working Group

Abstract:

Data publications with digital object identifiers (DOI) are best practice for FAIR sharing data. Originally developed with the purpose of providing permanent access to (static) datasets described in scholarly literature, DOI today are more and more assigned to dynamic data. These DOI (and other persistent identifiers) are mainly assigned for providing a citable and traceable reference of various types of sources (data, software, samples, equipment) and means of rewarding the originators and institutions.

As a result of international groups, like COPDESS and the Enabling FAIR Data project, data with assigned DOIs are now fully citable in scholarly literature and many journals require the data underlying a publication to be available before accepting an article. Initial metrics for data citation allow data providers to demonstrate the value of the data collected by institutes and individual scientists – which makes them even more attractive. This is especially relevant for the geodesy that, compared to other scientific disciplines, geodesy researchers appear to be producing less “countable scientific” output. Geodesy researchers, however, are much more involved in operational aspects and data provision than researchers in other fields might be. Geodesy data and equipment therefore require a structured and well-documented mechanism which will enable citability, scientific recognition and reward that can be provided by assigning DOI to data and data products.

To address these challenges and to identify opportunities for improved coordination and advocacy within the geodetic community, the International Association of Geodesy’s (IAG) Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) has established a Working Group on “Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for Geodetic Data Sets”. This Working Group is designated to establish best practices and advocate for the consistent implementation of DOIs across all IAG Services and in the greater geodetic community.