What is the Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) and how can it help me?
The Global Change Master Directory is an
extensive directory of descriptive and locational
information about data sets and services relevant
to global change research. At present in the
GCMD database there are over 29,000 of these
metadata descriptions of datasets, data services and ancillary descriptions from
numerous government agencies, research institutions,
archives and universities worldwide.
What scientific disciplines are included in the GCMD?
The GCMD contains descriptions of data sets
covering all disciplines that produce and
use data to help us understand our changing
planet. The GCMD includes metadata from disciplines
including atmospheric science, biology, oceanography,
ecology, geology, hydrology, and human dimensions
of climate change. This interdisciplinary
focus is aimed at researchers exploring the
interconnections and interrelations of mulitdisciplinary
variables on global changes (e.g., How global
warming may impact human health).
How to use the GCMD?
The GCMD has made it very easy for the public
to locate the data sets they desire. All the
metadata are stored in a relational database
that is accessed via several search interfaces.
Searching the
GCMD is completely free.
- Search the GCMD using
Earth science keywords. Search results
can be modified by geographic
location,platform/source,
or instrument. Or try the map/date combo data search.
- The Full-Text Search allows a query on user specified keywords. This can be of use when searching for metadata on specific topics (e.g., El Niño or Global Warming).
How to add a dataset or data service description to the GCMD
If you have a data set or service that is relevant to
global change, consider advertising to the scientific community through the GCMD. The GCMD is
not limited to governmental datasets nor is
it restricted to freely distributed data.
It is open to anyone having data or services that may
advance our understanding of Earth and its
systems, from the smallest, micro-scale dataset
to the largest global satellite downloads.
All are welcome.
In addition, you as the data holder both maintain
control of the data and its distribution (the
GCMD is a data locator) as well as receive
credit for the data. For holders of a great
deal of data or services, the GCMD is a convenient way
to maintain a descriptive index of your data or service
for your own reference as well. Best of all,
both searching for and including dataset and service descriptions
is completely free.
Are you still unsure? Take a look at some
common misconceptions
about the GCMD.
Go to the GCMD
Home Page to try it out.
If you still have questions, send an e-mail
to the GCMD staff at: GCMD User Support
Thanks!
