MEDIN Data Submission Guidelines

These guidelines should be followed when submitting data to the BGS MEDIN DAC for Geology and Geophysics.

Submission Agreement

Contact BGS prior to submitting any data.
The first stage is to provide a catalogue of the data being offered for archiving. BGS will then assess the contents of the catalogue and, if necessary, enter into discussion to clarify the information in it.
Depending on the volume, type, media and quality of the data, BGS may quote a cost for archiving the data. The agreement will include a schedule for delivery to BGS.
Any data which is of geological interest may be submitted. If there are any biological, oceanographic or bathymetric components to the survey, we can forward data to other MEDIN DACs, as required, or these can be submitted separately to the other DACs.
BGS primarily accepts digital data only. Paper records will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances where they have unique, valuable information. Contact the BGS MEDIN Team for more information.

Depending on the volume, data may be emailed, placed on an FTP/download site or sent on hard disk.
Data should be supplied as distinct survey datasets if possible. Each survey should have a unique survey name/ID.
Data will be incorporated into the BGS database and data management system to BGS standards, archived for the long-term benefit of the community and made visible via the Offshore Geoindex view service.
Work is ongoing on creating download services.
Alternatively data can be archived as received but it will not then be available through view/download services.

One MEDIN discovery metadata XML file should be provided for each survey. These can be created using one of the available MEDIN metadata tools. The MEDIN Metadata Discovery Standard is compliant with other international conventions (INSPIRE, ISO19115). It is a 'marine profile' of the GEMINI2 standard. See the MEDIN website for more information.
BGS will then ingest the metadata into our survey database and forward the metadata for inclusion in the MEDIN portal. The MEDIN portal is a metadata discovery service providing users with a single point of access to a well-balanced, authoritative marine metadata catalogue for the UK.
MEDIN discovery metadata XML files for the overall project/programme which the survey is part of should also be supplied, if appropriate.

A full data listing of the data files supplied should be included in the top level folder for each survey.
It should be ensured that the filenames in the listing match the actual filenames correctly.
It is useful to include a short description of the files.

A cruise report is an essential document and one should be submitted for each survey.
Any other useful documents such as acquisition/processing/quality control reports should also be provided.
Log files should be supplied where appropriate.

If possible, data should be provided organised in the BGS folder structure, in a separate folder for each survey (named with the survey ID). If there are any feedback/ comments/ problems with this structure please let us know.
The MEDIN seabed survey data guidelines should be referred to and may be helpful for submitting your data. The guidelines detail the metadata requirements specific to each data type. Used correctly, the guidelines facilitate easy use and reuse of the data. Excel templates are also provided if required.
The BGS Survey Data Management Handbook may also be referred to.
Standard data exchange formats should be used - see the MEDIN guidelines for specific examples.
Equipment types/methods should be clearly specified.
Both Raw and Processed data may be submitted, provided this is clearly specified. Details of processing, instrumentation, etc. should be included.
Data should be Quality Controlled by the data originator/provider before submission.
Quality information/assessment of data and any problems with the data should be included.
A GIS shape file of the survey area polygon should be provided.
The coordinate reference system used should be clearly specified.
Date and time should be provided in UTC or clearly specified local time zone.

Each line should have a distinct line name/ID.
Ensure navigation data is available for each line and make clear whether this is ship’s central reference navigation or corrected*.
Alternatively GIS shape files of line/point location can be provided. For purposes of our database it is useful to have the fix point positions for the line (this should include time and/or fix numbers). This will enable us to publish the locations through the Offshore Geoindex view service.
The coordinate reference system used should be clearly specified. (e.g. include in names of shape files).
Line names in the navigation/shape files should match the data filenames.
The number of lines in the data listing/navigation/shape files should match number of data files.
If any lines are missing, the reason why should be clearly specified.
*Processed geophysical data should have laybacks applied, etc.

Any seabed sample geological descriptions/data should be provided in spreadsheet or equivalent with top and bottom depth specified.
Each core/seabed sample should have a distinct ID.
Clear columns headings/units should be used.
GIS shape files of point locations may be provided.

Data ownership and any Terms and Conditions associated with the data should be clearly specified. If possible, the Open Government Licence should be used so that data can be made freely and easily available for re-use without restriction. The data originator is still required to be acknowledged under this licence, to ensure due credit is given.
We can receive data that is embargoed until agreed release date. Data will not be release to third parties before this date.

See also

External links