The GEOSS solution for enabling data interoperability and integrative research

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Computer Science
• Data Science

Background:

• Global sustainability research necessitates integrated digital infrastructures for cross-disciplinary data harnessing.
• Interoperability, enabling data and information sharing across diverse systems, is crucial for digital infrastructures.
• Key challenges in digital infrastructure include technological, semantic, and organizational interoperability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and combine experiences from three projects (Global Mercury Observation System, GEOSS, INSPIRE) focusing on the heavy metal domain.
• To propose an interoperability service bus for the heavy metal research community's cyber-infrastructure.
• To outline a roadmap for the heavy metal pollution research community to integrate with GEOSS.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of studies and experiences from the Global Mercury Observation System, GEOSS, and INSPIRE projects.
• Identification and proposal of an interoperability service bus comprising standards, models, interfaces, and best practices.
• Analysis of the GEOSS common infrastructure for implementing a multidisciplinary research infrastructure.

Main Results:

• A valuable interoperability service bus was recognized for characterizing the integrative research cyber-infrastructure in the heavy metal domain.
• The GEOSS common infrastructure was discussed as a platform for a multidisciplinary and participatory research infrastructure.
• A roadmap was introduced for the heavy metal pollution research community to join GEOSS as a community of practice.

Conclusions:

• Effective interoperability is essential for advancing global sustainability research through integrated digital infrastructures.
• The proposed interoperability service bus and GEOSS integration offer a pathway for enhanced heavy metal research.
• Fostering collaboration through communities of practice within global systems like GEOSS can accelerate integrative research efforts.