2009/06/01 by J. Brunt, William K. Michener · 13 citations
Computer Science · Decision Sciences · #Computer science #Data Quality and Management #Data management #Data science #Database #Environmental planning #Environmental resource management #Environmental science #Field (mathematics) #Geography #Research Data Management Practices #Resource (disambiguation) #Resource management (computing) #Scientific Computing and Data Management
paper · doi:10.1525/bio.2009.59.6.6
published in BioScience 59(6), 482-487 (Oxford University Press)
openalex publication_date 2009/06/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22
Biological field stations in North America have significant potential for addressing the most pressing environmental challenges facing science and society. Many of these field stations are now actively engaged in research networks and developing environmental observatory networks. The Resource Discovery Initiative for Field Stations (RDIFS) represents a research coordination network developed to enhance data management capacity and better position field stations for the critical role they are to play in addressing environmental challenges. The RDIFS developed information resources and training programs to facilitate storage, discovery, and access to data and information that are collectively held at North American biological field stations. In this article, we highlight the capabilities and needs of biological field stations, identify specific data management challenges faced by field stations, describe the products of the RDIFS effort, and provide insight into the future of data management at field stations, especially in relation to participation in environmental observatory networks.