A Data Lifecycle Approach to Enabling Use by Capturing Data Provenance and Attribution

Abstract:

Data can traverse an entire lifecycle of actions that might not have been envisioned by the data producers. Processing and revisions can result in subsequent versions. Datasets can be integrated with other data to create new data products and services that enable divergent uses and lead to publications that cross disciplinary boundaries. Data can be recognized as useful and reused by diverse users who conduct research in areas quite distinct from the study that prompted the original data collection. Such complex processes that occur during the production, development, curation, and use of data must be documented so they can be understood by users who plan to reuse the data. Transparently describing data provenance facilitates decisions on whether the data can meet the research needs of potential users. Data collection protocols, methodologies, variable descriptions, processing procedures, quality, limitations, rights, and changes to previous versions should be clearly communicated to facilitate interoperability and foster use. For integrated data products, documentation also should describe input data that were utilized and how they were combined. Recommended citations should be provided to users and data usage should be correctly cited and sufficiently described in publications to provide attribution for such use. Providing access to data citations and published methodological details of prior use can inform those who are considering future use of the data. We report on data management workflows at SEDAC, the NASA Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center, that capture, describe, and disseminate provenance and attribution information and contribute to findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) aspects of data offered. We also discuss how such efforts improve capabilities that employ transparency, responsibility, user focus, sustainability, and technology (TRUST) to facilitate research, decision-making, and learning across disciplines and practices.