We, CODATA's Data-At-Risk Task Group (DARTG), were privileged to run a session at the great "Memory of the World" conference in Vancouver in September 2012. Our theme was the identification and protection of important scientific data that is in danger of being lost forever.

1. Data At Risk: The Duty to Find, Rescue, Preserve
Brought to you by CODATA’s Data at Risk Task Group (DARTG)
Please visit Session D at 1:30pm on September 26, 2012
Maps are ubiquitous in the
“DARTG“ is a Task Extending the Climate Record Patrick is also a member of the Group of
Experts (GE) member of the Global Sea Level
21st century, including
cybercartographic atlases and
Group of the Committee 1941 2004 Observing System (GLOSS). Topics include: many other manifestations.
on Data for Science and The Joint Archive for Nevertheless…
Technology, a body of Given by Stephen Del Greco, Chief of Sea Level (JASL),
the International NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center … “it’s easier to get maps from hundreds of
The Global Oceano-graphic
Council for Science. (NCDC) Climate Services and
Data Archaeology and Rescue
years ago than maps from the last decade.”
Monitoring Division (CSMD)
See http://ils.unc.edu/~janeg/dartg/ (GODAR) project.
Join us at Session D and hear of the many NOAA And several other initiatives.
We in DARTG define "data at risk“ as scientific data rescue projects and partnerships, including:
data which are not in a format that permits full We’ll also hear about the very interesting results Ancient & Digital
electronic access to the information which they Climate Database Modern- of the GLOSS 2012 data archaeology and
contain. Such data may be inherently non-digital ization Program (CDMP). rescue questionnaire.
(e.g. handwritten or photographic), on near- Once, these words seemed contradictory.
Paleoclimatology efforts
obsolete digital media or insufficiently described Now, any digital media more than a decade old is
(lacking meta-data).
around the world. Maps: a fundamental source in “ancient.” This information legacy is at great risk!
Recovering the Historical Marine Observations the Memory of the World. Session chair, Chris Muller, founder of Muller Media
Conversions (MMC) includes here a brief mention
. Forgettery of the World and much, much more…
The fourth presentation is by Tracey P. Lauriault, of an encouraging data rescue project:
The first presentation is by Dr. R. Elizabeth Griffin Postdoctoral Fellow, Geomatics and Cartographic Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics
Like Elizabeth, Stephen will stimulate your day
of Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, who chairs Research Centre (GCRC), Carleton University and Data Recovery Center (BBSDRC)
with fascinating facts and ideas. Here’s one of
the Task Group as well as other international Dr. Fraser Taylor, Distinguished Research More than 6,000 reels of mainframe
his phrases we specially enjoy: “Old Weather:
groups. Her presentation will discuss DARTG’s Professor of International Affairs, Geography and tape with important census and other
founding principles and major goals, e.g. creation Our Weather’s Past, the Climate’s Future” Environmental Studies at Carleton University. and data had been accumulated since the
of an inventory of data whose unique value is in Director of the Geomatics and Cartographic 1980’s. Frequent power outages and
danger of being lost to posterity. Research Center.
You will hear many thought-provoking ideas, such
Tide Gauge Data Rescue Expect to hear of many
other pressing needs made long-term
preservation very difficult.
projects and insights.
as: “Delving back into the past is a route to instant IPUMS.ORG via MMC provided
science.” … “the complementarity of old and new” One example: the equipment, software and
Presented by Mr. Patrick C. Caldwell, Manager,
… “Doing nothing had inflated expense, and Joint Archive for Sea Level at NOAA’s National Born Digital Maps don’t training to institute the project.
ruined lives.” For more on this, please visit: Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), this segment necessarily improve matters… New BBSDRC management has
Session D – 1:30pm Wednesday, where we will convey such matters as how older records are recently achieved additional
will also describe initiatives taken by members the “In Canada we have lost over 90 percent of system and staff capabilities.
of great value to understand more completely the
Task Group to preserve scientific data at risk. the digital maps produced in the last quarter
time scales of sea level change. See www.ipums.org and www.mullermedia.com
of the 20th century.”
www.postersession.com