NASA's Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) anticipates that effective adoption of standards will play an increasingly vital role in the success of future science data systems. This will facilitate the broader use of data standards that have proven implementation and operational benefit. As part of a study entitled "Strategy for Evolution of ESE Data Systems (SEEDS)", we developed a process for both identification of appropriate standards and subsequent adoption for use by the Enterprise. The process, refined through study of ESE management priorities and through interaction with ESE target communities, is modeled on that of the "Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)."
The Earth Science Data Systems Standards Process Group (SPG), a board composed of ESE stakeholders, directs the process. Proposed standards are submitted by practitioners within the ESE community. These are evaluated in two phases by the SPG and the broader community to assess workability of implementation and success of operation.
The two phases are:
The first review is performed by the SPG, which determines broad applicability to NASA’s Earth Science Data Systems goals. Subsequent community reviews are performed under the direction of the SPG, through open solicitation (i.e. request for comments) and through expert technical analysis. Technical analysis is performed by a "Technical Working Group (TWG)" formed by the SPG for that purpose. The SPG considers the results of the TWG and the received comments before making a recommendation to ESE management to advance the standard.
For an update on the working group status, documents, and references, visit the Standards Process Group Collaboration Site. If you are interested in joining this working group, please contact Richard Ullman, the working group chair or Glenn F. Cunningham, the working group co-chair.
Relevant Links and Documents:
Charter
SPG processes
List of Approved and in-process RFC’s
Desired SPG Standards Criteria
Previous ES-DSWG Workshop Presentations
Working Group Pages: