Data Inventory and Tracking System (DITS)

DITS: from data inventory to database and data dissemination

DITS was developed for inventory of files or datasources like technical reports, logbooks and scientific publications compiled during a specific project. The submitted datasources, which can be fully described with all required or logical groups of datasources. Original and processing files can be uploaded or refered to and each step of the process can be tracked. Furthermore, missing information like sampling date or location can be indicated. The tool was designed by and for datamanagers to process data that need further handling, like import in central databases. Data submitters on the other hand can follow-up the status of their data and make updates via the online interface where, all records can be explored and exported.

While DITS serves as a shared tool for data management and traceability, it also allows to centralise, integrate and valorise data compiled in the frame of specific research projects and monitoring programs, forming an important reference for data managers, policy makers and scientists.

“4 decades of Belgian marine monitoring: Uplifting historical data to today’s needs” (4DEMON)

Long-term datasets are important to study global trends in the environment and to define a reference status of an ecosystem. Results of analyses on such datasets allow policy makers to define proper strategies to reach regulatory objectives. Access to these data is also a crucial issue for the scientific community.

4DEMON had the aim to build quality-checked, intercalibrated and integrated data on contamination, eutrophication and ocean acidification in the Belgian Continental Shelf (BCS) since 1970. Historical data were compiled and integrated with more recent data resulting in robust long-term datasets that were made publicly available. This not only safeguarded the historic Belgian marine data, but also uplifted its value as it can now serve many new and cross-disciplinary research objectives and help policy makers to take adequate management actions.

Inherent to these kind of projects on historical data, there are several issues, such as complexity and heterogeneity of the data, potential missing metadata, numerous data formats and data sources. To face these matters DITS was set up as a well-coordinated system to centralize, to track and to disseminate data.