NASA's Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC), managed by the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) of Columbia University, archives and disseminates scientific data for applied and research uses. Here we describe the data acquisition criteria, data quality standards, and data policies for the benefit of those wishing to disseminate their data via SEDAC.
Submission of candidate datasets is a two-step process. In the first step we request basic information on the data (e.g., nature of the dataset, purpose for creating the dataset, etc.) that will help us to evaluate the suitability of the data for archiving at and dissemination by SEDAC. If the data are deemed appropriate by SEDAC staff, we will then request a copy of the data and may require additional information for review by the SEDAC User Working Group (UWG), a group that provides ongoing advice and guidance regarding SEDAC activities and plans.
Should the dataset be approved for dissemination by the UWG, and if the data and documentation are provided in a timely manner, the dataset should be released within 3-4 months. Authors may request expedited service and the setup of a temporary data landing page for the data with a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) if they are working with a journal and need release to coincide with publication. Note that if the dataset has already been published with a DOI we are unlikely to be able to consider it for SEDAC dissemination, though we welcome requests to archive and disseminate updated versions.
