The document outlines Rik van den Bosch's work plan for developing the Soil Data Facility (SDF) from 2018-2020. Key aspects of the plan include developing technical specifications for the Global Soil Information System (GloSIS) and its data products from 2017-2018, building GloSIS infrastructure and populating data products from 2018-2020. It also discusses specifications for GloSIS point databases and grids, a vision document outlining GloSIS, engaging data providers, and connecting providers and users. The document proposes roles for various organizations in developing GloSIS, with SDF leading technical development, FAO hosting and developing the discovery hub, and all organizations working together.

1. Rik van den Bosch
Director ISRIC – World Soil Information
Report Soil Data Facility

2. Developed a work plan for SDF
(2018-2020)
• 2017-2018: Develop technical specifications for
GloSIS and its data products
• 2018 - 2019: Build the infrastructure of GloSIS
and its data products (point data sets and grids)
• 2019 - 2020: Assist with the populating the data
products

3. Specifications for point databases
• Proposal for the database content:
• Tier 1: comprehensive database
• Tier 2: reference database (well-described, complete)
• Proposal for the database structure: the data model
that specifies how the data are organized (in tables); it
is the architectural blueprint of the database.

4. Specifications for the grids
• Connection established with the developers of the
existing specifications (GlobalSoilMap Consortium)
• Plan to further address this at the 21st World Congress
of Soil Science in Rio de Janeiro, August 2018

5. Vision document for GloSIS
• GloSIS is the infrastructure that connects the various
data products and allows users to search, find and
(possibly) download data.
• Vision document:
• create a common understanding of the system that we will
be developing
• what should GloSIS look like, what would be the building
blocks (hardware, software, technologies for data exchange)
• Ensure that everybody can participate, irrespective of
the current technological level.

6. Engaging data providers

7. Connecting providers and users

8. Tasks of the SDF (from call text)
• host, develop and maintain important elements of the spatial
data infrastructure (SDI) (...)
• provide where needed, infrastructure components for INSII
members (...)
• actively participate in the P4WG
• support various technical and product-related elements of GloSIS
• support the design and implementation of GloSIS
• cooperate with FAO to support the delivery of SoilSTAT;
• provide data services that support the aims and objectives
GEOSS.

10. GloSIS

11. During the last year
• FAO decided to host the GSOC map
• FAO made clear it was planning to:
• provide an internet domain name, hardware and/or cloud services
• develop data product specifications with the P4WG members and
SDF
• .....
screenshot GSOC

12. Proposal
P4WG/INSII: Coordination, body to report to
Secretariat
• Facilitates contacts with countries (‘data flows’, capacity building)
SDF (ISRIC)
• Leads in developing the SDI (technical heart) and its data products
for GloSIS
• Reports to P4WG and INSII
• Supports the development of aspects of the discovery hub
FAO
• Leads the development of GloSIS discovery hub
• Hosts GloSIS on top-level domain (www.glosis.org)
All: work together!!

13. Footnote in the open call for SDF
It may be noted that following the Pillar 4
Implementation Plan, FAO is currently developing a
corporate SDI, which will also be aimed at supporting
the requirements for the Global Soil Information
System.