Project overview

SeaDataNet-2 (2011-15) is a European Commission funded project that builds on the earlier work of SeaDataNet to further enable research excellence in Europe.

SeaDataNet delivered a standardised system for managing the large and diverse data sets collected by Europe's oceanographic fleets and automatic observation systems. The pan-European network enhances the existing infrastructures of 35 countries' national oceanographic data centres. The networking of these national data centres in a unique virtual data management system, the 'SeaDataNet Virtual Data Centre', provides access to integrated European data sets of a standardised quality online.

SeaDataNet also provides pan-European metadata services to give an overview of European marine organisations and their engagement in research activities, the management of large datasets, data acquisition by research vessels and monitoring programmes for the European seas and global oceans. These services are

• European Directory of Marine Organisations (EDMO)
• European Directory of Marine Environmental Data sets (EDMED)
• European Directory of Marine Environmental Research Projects (EDMERP)
• European Cruise Summary Reports (CSR)
• European Directory of the Ocean-observing Systems (EDIOS)

Each of the directories has its own origin; however as part of SeaDataNet all directories have been harmonised in use of syntax, semantics and tools.

What's happening during SeaDataNet-2?

The ten work packages of SeaDataNet-2 fall into one of the following categories

1. Coordination activities — These include spreading good practice, promoting common protocols and interoperability, encouraging complementarity, developing and maintaining common information systems and stimulating the creation of distributed or virtual facilities.
2. Support activities — These enable continuous access to the national marine data and information services.
3. Research and Technical Development activities — These aim to further develop the SeaDataNet Virtual Data Centre for online integrated access to qualified, compatible and coherent metadata, data sets and products.

Important technical developments include

• upgrading the metadata catalogue services to achieve compliance with the European Commission's Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community (INSPIRE) directive.
• the development of Sensor Observation Services to open SeaDataNet access to near real-time datasets.

Additionally, SeaDataNet-2 has seen an increased number of partners join the system. The consortium now consists of 44 partners, 11 sub-contractors of these partners and one associated partner.

SeaDataNet-2 is also extending the scope of the project to other domains such as biological oceanographic data.