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Navigating the unfolding open data landscape in ecology and evolution
Antica Culina1, Miriam Baglioni2, Tom W Crowther3,4
1NIOO-KNAW, Wageningen, The Netherlands. A.Culina@nioo.knaw.nl.
Nature Ecology & Evolution
|February 18, 2018
Summary
Open access to data is transforming science. This study offers a guide to online data resources for ecologists and evolutionary biologists, aiming to simplify data discovery and use.
Area of Science:
- Ecology and evolutionary biology
Background:
- Open access data is revolutionizing scientific research.
- Ecologists and evolutionary biologists need efficient ways to find and utilize existing data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of online data infrastructures for ecologists and evolutionary biologists.
- To highlight key considerations for using open data.
- To introduce a collaborative platform for curated open data sources.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of online data infrastructures.
- Development of a community-driven online platform.
- Identification of best practices for open data utilization.
Main Results:
- An overview of the current landscape of open data resources.
- A curated list of recommended data sources accessible through a single interface.
- Guidelines for researchers on effectively using open data.
Conclusions:
- Lowering the barrier to accessing open data encourages its use.
- Increased use of open data can enhance the scope, reliability, and value of research findings.
- A collaborative platform can facilitate community-driven data discovery and access.
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