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At least 19 records

Directory interchange format manual, version 4.0

The Directory Interchange Format (DIF) is a data structure used to exchange directory-level information about data sets among information systems. In general the format consists of a number of fields that describe the attributes of a directory entry and text blocks that contain a descriptive summary of and references for the directory entry. All fields and the summary are preceded by labels identifying their contents. All values are ASCII character strings. The structure is intended to be flexible, allowing for future changes in the contents of directory entries. The manual is structured as follows: section 1 is a general description of what constitutes a directory entry; section 2 describes the content of the individual fields within the data structure, together with some examples. Also included in the six appendices is a description of the syntax used within the examples; samples of the directory interchange format applied to different data sets; the allowable discipline keywords; a current list of valid location keywords; a list of allowable parameter keywords; a list of acronyns and a glossary of terms used; and a description of the Standard Formatted Data Unit header, which may be added to the front of a DIF file to identify the file as a registered standard format.

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The interconnected data directory system and Catalog Interoperability

The Catalog Interoperability (CI) project, designed to enable rapid and efficient identification, location, and access to data of interest to the science community, is considered. The CI goal is to create a worldwide data information network composed of interconnected directory, guide (catalog), and inventory systems. Directories were created to aid in finding data. The directories contain brief information about the data sets, sufficient for determining whether further investigation is warranted. They also provide automated links to other information systems which give more detail on data of interest. A common format for describing data sets has been developed, called the Directory Interchange Format (DIF), which is used as the basis of information to be shared among the directories. These DIF files can be passed among the directories to keep their information up to date.

Thieman, James R.↗

Software for Replicating Data Between X.500 and LDAP Directories

X500/LDAP Directory Replication Utility is a computer program for replicating information between X.500 and LDAP directories. [X.500 is an international standard for on-line directory services. LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is a simple directory access protocol.] The utility can be used to replicate an object of any type from X.500 to LDAP or from LDAP to X.500. The program uses the LDAP version 2 protocol, which is capable of working with both X.500 and LDAP directories. The program can provide any or all of the following services: (1) replicate only modified objects; (2) force replication of all objects; (3) replicate individual objects, one level of objects, or a subtree of objects; (4) filter sets of objects to select ones to be replicated; (5) remove and/or modify object classes from objects that are replicated; and (6) select and/or limit attributes that are replicated. The program includes a separate program that is used to remove objects that are no longer required to be replicated.

Wolfe, Thomas↗

Directory interchange format manual, version 3.0

The Directory Interchange Format (DIF) is a data structure used to exchange directory level information about data sets among information systems. The format consists of a number of fields that describe the attributes of a directory entry and text blocks that contain a descriptive summary of and references for the directory entry. All fields and the summary are preceded by labels identifying their contents. All values are ASCII character strings. The structure is intended to be flexible, allowing for future changes in the contents of directory entries.

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Using the International Directory Network and connected information systems for research in the Earth and space sciences

Many researchers are becoming aware of the International Directory Network (IDN), an interconnected federation of international directories to Earth and space science data. Are you aware, however, of the many Earth-science-relevant information systems which can be accessed automatically from the directories? After determining potentially useful data sets in various disciplines through directories such as the Global Change Master Directory, it is becoming increasingly possible to get detailed information about the correlative possibilities of these data sets through the connected guide/catalog and inventory systems. Such capabilities as data set browse, subsetting, analysis, etc. are available now and will be improving in the future.

Thieman, J. R.↗

Locating Biodiversity Data Through The Global Change Master Directory

The Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) presently holds descriptions for almost 7000 data sets held worldwide. The directory's primary purpose is for data discovery. The information provided through the GCMD's Directory Interchange Format (DIF) is the set of information that a researcher would need to determine if a particular data set could be of value. By offering data set descriptions worldwide in many scientific disciplines - including meteorology, oceanography, ecology, geology, hydrology, geophysics, remote sensing, paleoclimate, solar-terrestrial physics, and human dimensions of climate change - the GCMD simplifies the discovery of data sources. Direct linkages to many of the data sets are also provided. In addition, several data set registration tools are offered for populating the directory. To search the directory, one may choose the Guided Search or Free-Text Search. Two experimental interfaces were also made available with the latest software release - one based on a keyword search and another based on a graphical interface. The graphical interface was designed in collaboration with the Human Computer Interaction Laboratory at the University of Maryland. The latest version of the software, Version 6, was released in April, 1998. It features the implementation of a scheme to handle hierarchical data set collections (parent-child relationships); a hierarchical geospatial location search scheme; a Java-based geographic map for conducting geospatial searches; a Related-URL field for project-related data set collections, metadata extensions (such as more detailed inventory information), etc.; a new implementation of the Isite software; a new dataset language field; hyperlinked email addresses, and more. The key to the continued evolution of the GCMD is in the flexibility of the GCMD database, allowing modifications and additions to made relatively easily to maintain currency, thus providing the ability to capitalize on current technology while importing all existing records. Changes are discussed and approved through an online "interoperability" forum. The next major release of the GCMD is scheduled for early 1999 and will include the incorporation of a new matrix-based interface, a rapid valids-based query system; improvement in the operations facility - important for future distributed options; new streamlined code for greater performance and maintainability; improvements in the handling of seven current fields proposed through the interoperability forum (at no expense to the data providers); and the release of DOCmorph, a more robust version of DIFmorph to translate many 'standards' multi-directionally. Issues and actions will also be addressed.

Olsen, Lola M.↗

Online Metadata Directories: A way of preserving, sharing and discovering scientific information

The Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) assists the scientific community in the discovery of and linkage to Earth Science data and provides data holders a means to advertise their data to the community through its portals, i.e. online customized subset metadata directories. These directories are effectively serving communities like the Joint Committee on Antarctic Data Management (JCADM), the Global Observing System Information Center (GOSIC), and the Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamic Program (GLOBEC) by increasing the visibility of their data holding. The purpose of the Gulf of Maine Ocean Data Partnership (GoMODP) is to "promote and coordinate the sharing, linking, electronic dissemination, and use of data on the Gulf of Maine region". The participants have decided that a "coordinated effort is needed to enable users throughout the Gulf of Maine region and beyond to discover and put to use the vast and growing quantities of data in their respective databases". GoMODP members have invited the GCMD to discuss potential collaborations associated with this effort. The presentation will focus on the use of the GCMD s metadata directory as a powerful tool for data discovery and sharing. An overview of the directory and its metadata authoring tools will be given.

Meaux, M.↗

Directory of workers in the fire field

A directory was compiled to provide a list of workers engaged in fire research, their addresses and affiliations, and their principal fields of activity. The initial criteria for the selection of names for the directory are recent contributions to fire literature, teaching of subjects relevant to fire science, or participation in or support of fire research programs. With some exceptions, fire service personnel and fire protection engineers were excluded because directories already exist for these professionals. Also excluded are investigators engaged principally in studies of propulsion, combustion, and explosion phenomena, because these areas of study are somewhat aside from the main focus of fire research. For purposes of the directory, fire science is taken to be the body of knowledge, art, and skill related to the investigation, analysis, and interpretation of the phenomena of unwanted fires and the evaluation of materials methods, systems, and equipment related to fire safety, prevention, detection, and suppression.

Kuvshinoff, B. W.↗

Venus Data Analysis Program: Directory of Research Projects (1993-1994)

This directory provides information about the scientific investigations funded by the NASA Venus Data Analysis Program (VDAP) during fiscal year 1993. The VDAP Directory consists of summary sheets from the proposals that were selected by NASA for funding in FY 93. Each summary sheet indicates the title, principal investigator, institution of the investigation, and information related to the objectives of the research activities proposed for FY 93. The objective of the VDAP Program is to advance our understanding of the nature and evolution of Venus. VDAP supports scientific investigation using data obtained from the Magellan, Pioneer Venus, and other Venus missions, as well as earth-based observations that contribute to understanding the physical and evolutionary properties of Venus. The program intends to enhance the scientific return from these missions by broadening the participation in the analysis of Venus data. Categories of research funded by VDAP are atmosphere, ionosphere, geology, geophysics, and mapping. The directory is intended to provide the science community with an overview of the research projects supported by this program. Research activities identified in this directory were selected for funding in FY 93 on the basis of scientific peer review conducted by the VDAP Review Panel.

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Telephone-Directory Program

eDirectory is a computer program that makes it possible to view entries in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) telephone directory by use of PalmPilot(TradeMark) (or equivalent) personal digital assistants. When one uses eDirectory, a single click causes the downloading of a current copy of the directory (which is updated nightly) from a server. The downloaded directory data can be sorted and searched. The program can append a "JPL" category and save directory information in a file that can be imported into the Palm Desktop(TradeMark) software.

Vlahos, William↗

WGISS-45 International Directory Network (IDN) Report

The objective of this presentation is to provide IDN (International Directory Network) updates on features and activities to the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Working Group on Information Systems and Services (WGISS) and provider community. The following topics will be will be discussed during the presentation: Transition of Providers DIF-9 (Directory Interchange Format-9) to DIF-10 Metadata Records in the Common Metadata Repository (CMR); GCMD (Global Change Master Directory) Keyword Update; DIF-10 and UMM-C (Unified Metadata Model-Collections) Schema Changes; Metadata Validation of Provider Metadata; docBUILDER for Submitting IDN Metadata to the CMR (i.e. Registration); and Mapping WGClimate Essential Climate Variable (ECV) Inventory to IDN Records.

WGISS↗

Integrated Distributed Directory Service for KSC

This paper describes an integrated distributed directory services (DDS) architecture as a fundamental component of KSC distributed computing systems. Specifically, an architecture for an integrated directory service based on DNS and X.500/LDAP has been suggested. The architecture supports using DNS in its traditional role as a name service and X.500 for other services. Specific designs were made in the integration of X.500 DDS for Public Key Certificates, Kerberos Security Services, Network-wide Login, Electronic Mail, WWW URLS, Servers, and other diverse network objects. Issues involved in incorporating the emerging Microsoft Active Directory Service MADS in KSC's X.500 were discussed.

Ghansah, Isaac↗

The CEOS International Directory Network Progress and Plans: Spring, 1999

The Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) serves as the software development hub for the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites' (CEOS) International Directory Network (IDN). The GCMD has upgraded the software for the IDN nodes as Version 7 of the GCMD: MD7-Oracle and MD7-Isite, as well as three other MD7 experimental interfaces. The contribution by DLR representatives (Germany) of the DLR Thesaurus will be demonstrated as an educational tool for use with MD7-Isite. The software will be installed at twelve nodes around the world: Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and several sites in the United States. Representing NASA for the International Directory Network and the CEOS Data Access Subgroup, NASA's contribution to this international interoperability effort will be updated. Discussion will include interoperability with the CEOS Interoperability Protocol (CIP), features of the latest version of the software, including upgraded capabilities for distributed input by the IDN nodes, installation logistics, "mirroring', population objectives, and future plans.

Olsen, Lola M.↗

The CEOS International Directory Network: Progress and Plans, Spring, 1999

The Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) serves as the software development hub for the Committee on Earth observation Satellites' (CEOS) International Directory Network (IDN). The GCMD has upgraded the software for the IDN nodes as Version 7 of the GCMD: MD7-Oracle and MD7-Isite, as well as three other MD7 experimental interfaces. The contribution by DLR representatives (Germany) of the DLR Thesaurus will be demonstrated as an educational tool for use with MD7-Isite. The software will be installed at twelve nodes around the world: Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and several sites in the United States. Representing NASA for the International Directory Network and the CEOS Data Access Subgroup, NASA's contribution to this international interoperability effort will be updated. Discussion will include interoperability with the CEOS Interoperability Protocol (CIP), features of the latest version of the software, including upgraded capabilities for distributed input by the IDN nodes, installation logistics, "mirroring", population objectives, and future plans.

Olsen, Lola M.↗

Integrating Ideas for International Data Collaborations Through The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) International Directory Network (IDN)

The capabilities of the International Directory Network's (IDN) version MD9.5, along with a new version of the metadata authoring tool, "docBUILDER", will be presented during the Technology and Services Subgroup session of the Working Group on Information Systems and Services (WGISS). Feedback provided through the international community has proven instrumental in positively influencing the direction of the IDN s development. The international community was instrumental in encouraging support for using the IS0 international character set that is now available through the directory. Supporting metadata descriptions in additional languages encourages extended use of the IDN. Temporal and spatial attributes often prove pivotal in the search for data. Prior to the new software release, the IDN s geospatial and temporal searches suffered from browser incompatibilities and often resulted in unreliable performance for users attempting to initiate a spatial search using a map based on aging Java applet technology. The IDN now offers an integrated Google map and date search that replaces that technology. In addition, one of the most defining characteristics in the search for data relates to the temporal and spatial resolution of the data. The ability to refine the search for data sets meeting defined resolution requirements is now possible. Data set authors are encouraged to indicate the precise resolution values for their data sets and subsequently bin these into one of the pre-selected resolution ranges. New metadata authoring tools have been well received. In response to requests for a standalone metadata authoring tool, a new shareable software package called "docBUILDER solo" will soon be released to the public. This tool permits researchers to document their data during experiments and observational periods in the field. interoperability has been enhanced through the use of the Open Archives Initiative s (OAI) Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (PMH). Harvesting of XML content through OAI-MPH has been successfully tested with several organizations. The protocol appears to be a prime candidate for sharing metadata throughout the international community. Data services for visualizing and analyzing data have become valuable assets in facilitating the use of data. Data providers are offering many of their data-related services through the directory. The IDN plans to develop a service-based architecture to further promote the use of web services. During the IDN Task Team session, ideas for further enhancements will be discussed.

Olsen, Lola M.↗

Precipitation links (PrecipLinks) - a prototype directory for precipitation information

This poster describes a web directory of research oriented precipitation links. In this era of sophisticated search engines and web agents, it might seem counterproductive to establish such a directory of links. However, entering precipitation into a search engine like google will yield over one million hits. To further exacerbate this situation many of the returned links are dead, duplicates of other links, incomplete, or only marginally related to research precipitation or even the broader precipitation area. Sometimes connecting the linked URL causes the browser to lose context and not be able to get back to the original page. Even using more sophisticated search engines query parameters or agents while reducing the overall return doesn't eliminate all of the other issues listed. As part of the development of the measurement-based Precipitation Processing System (PPS) that will support Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) version 7 reprocessing and the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission a precipitation links (PrecipLinks) facility is being developed. PrecipLinks is intended to share locations of other sites that contain information or data pertaining to precipitation research. Potential contributors can log-on to the PrecipLinks website and register their site for inclusion in the directory. The price for inclusion is the requirement to place a link back to PrecipLinks on the webpage that is registered. This ensures that users will be able to easily get back to PrecipLinks regardless of any context issues that browsers might have. Perhaps more importantly users while visiting one site that they know can be referred to a location that has many others sites with which they might not be familiar. PrecipLinks is designed to have a very flat structure. This poster summarizes these categories (information, data, services) and the reasons for their selection. Providers may register multiple pages to which they wish to direct users. However, each page may be attached to only one of these categories. Each page to which they refer users will also have a return link to PrecipLinks. The poster describes the operation of the system both the automated and the human processes. It also provides images for the various steps in the registration and use.

Velanthapillia, Balendran↗

Easing the Discovery of NASA and International Near-Real-Time Data Using the Global Change Master Directory

The Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) provides an extensive directory of descriptive and spatial information about data sets and data-related services, which are relevant to Earth science research. The directory's data discovery components include controlled keywords, free-text searches, and map/date searches. The GCMD portal for NASA's Land Atmosphere Near-real-time Capability for EOS (LANCE) data products leverages these discovery features by providing users a direct route to NASA's Near-Real-Time (NRT) collections. This portal offers direct access to collection entries by instrument name, informing users of the availability of data. After a relevant collection entry is found through the GCMD's search components, the "Get Data" URL within the entry directs the user to the desired data. http://gcmd.nasa.gov/r/p/gcmd_lance_nrt.

Olsen, Lola↗

Directory of astronomical data files

This Directory of Astronomical Data Files was prepared by the Data Task Force of the Interagency Coordination Committee for Astronomy (ICCA) in cooperation with the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC). The purpose of the Directory is to provide a listing which will enable a user to locate stellar and extragalactic data sources keyed along with sufficient descriptive information to permit him to assess the value of the files for his use as well as the status and availability of the compilations.

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