How are we managing our research data?

Types of Data

The types of collected data, across all work packages, include: i) social data regarding perceptions on land tenure, recording technologies, and requirements – collected via interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires and observation (WP2); ii) digital sketchmaps (WP3); iii) UAV-based images, derived products including orthoimages and digital surface models (WP4, 5); and iv) database representations of cadastral boundaries (WP6). In general, an open access approach (including both green and gold approaches) to all data collected in all work packages is intended, however, this is subject to ethical procedures, risk assessment, and barriers and obstacles.

Knowledge Management

Regarding knowledge management and protection, when producing, storing and accessing the data, the consortium needs to ensure high level of data security, but at the same time accessibility by all partners involved. Open standards for storing geospatial information, like defined in the GML (geographic markup language, see http://www.opengeospatial.org), which is an ISO standard, will be used. For self-archiving, and to ensure a flexible and at the same time secure access to all data (reading and writing) a dedicated file server, included in the budget, are installed at the UT. UT will maintain and backup up primary knowledge sources using the server. Consortium members and work packages leader maintain backups. Tacit knowledge management is supported by ensuring each work package involves two consortium members (at least): the same applies to study areas. The research design demands regular phone, web based/email and face-to-face interaction. The annual report will capture yearly achievements.

Data Management Plan

In order to emphasize the importance of the data management problem, the consortium will set up a Data Management Plan (DMP)4 and intends to participate in the pilot action on open access to research data (see here). The first version of the DMP will be released in M3 as the first deliverable of the project management work package (WP1). In particular this DPM will address all relevant issues, like: ensuring security in transmitting and storing all information; defining a state-of-the-art backup strategy, like distributed backups; ensuring accessibility over internet connections; using standardized data and transmission protocols; ensuring accessibility of data after the project has finished (curation).