DataONE

DataONE is a web-based network of organizations that work together to provide a platform for data sharing, metadata management, and data citation in the environmental sciences. It was launched in 2010 and has since become a critical component of the NSF-funded Cyberinfrastructure Framework for the 21st Century.

DataONE is built on the idea of federated architecture, where diverse organizations contribute their own data collections and management tools, creating a network effect that amplifies the value of individual components. This approach allows DataONE to encompass a vast array of data types and disciplines, including but not limited to ecological research, climate science, and biodiversity studies.

The DataONE network comprises six nodes, or hubs, responsible for managing their respective data collections and member organizations. These nodes are Alaska, California, Great Plains, Gulf Coast, Northeast, and Southeast. Each node maintains its own data repository, but they also contribute to a shared collection known as the DataONE Federated Network, providing a global, persistent archive of scientific data.

One of DataONE's key features is its emphasis on good scientific practice in metadata management and data citation. This includes a robust system of describing data with metadata, which facilitates discovery and access to research results. DataONE also offers a suite of tools for data integration and data harmonization, enabling scientists to collect, combine, and analyze large data sets across multiple investigations and experiments.

Since its inception, DataONE has grown into a comprehensive platform for data-driven research, recognized by its participation in various international initiatives and collaborations focused on interdisciplinary knowledge sharing and open science practices.