Title | A model for community-driven development of best practices: the Ocean Observatories Initiative Biogeochemical Sensor Data Best Practices and User Guide |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2024 |
Authors | Palevsky, HI, Clayton, S, Benway, H, Maheigan, M, Atamanchuk, D, Battisti, R, Batryn, J, Bourbonnais, A, Briggs, EM, Carvalho, F, Chase, AP, Eveleth, R, Fatland, R, Fogaren, KE, Fram, JPeter, Hartman, SE, Le Bras, I, Manning, CCM, Needoba, JA, Neely, MBeth, Oliver, H, Reed, AC, Rheuban, JE, Schallenberg, C, Walsh, I, Wingard, C, Bauer, K, Chen, B, Cuevas, J, Flecha, S, Horwith, M, Melendez, M, Menz, T, Rivero-Calle, S, Roden, NP, Steinhoff, T, Trucco-Pignata, PNicolás, Vardaro, MF, Yoder, M |
Journal | Frontiers in Marine Science |
Volume | 11 |
Keywords | beta testers, biogeochemical sensors, ocean best practices, Ocean Observatories Initiative, Working group |
Abstract | The field of oceanography is transitioning from data-poor to data-rich, thanks in part to increased deployment of in-situ platforms and sensors, such as those that instrument the US-funded Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). However, generating science-ready data products from these sensors, particularly those making biogeochemical measurements, often requires extensive end-user calibration and validation procedures, which can present a significant barrier. Openly available community-developed and -vetted Best Practices contribute to overcoming such barriers, but collaboratively developing user-friendly Best Practices can be challenging. Here we describe the process undertaken by the NSF-funded OOI Biogeochemical Sensor Data Working Group to develop Best Practices for creating science-ready biogeochemical data products from OOI data, culminating in the publication of the GOOS-endorsed OOI Biogeochemical Sensor Data Best Practices and User Guide. For Best Practices related to ocean observatories, engaging observatory staff is crucial, but having a “user-defined” process ensures the final product addresses user needs. Our process prioritized bringing together a diverse team and creating an inclusive environment where all participants could effectively contribute. Incorporating the perspectives of a wide range of experts and prospective end users through an iterative review process that included “Beta Testers'' enabled us to produce a final product that combines technical information with a user-friendly structure that illustrates data analysis pipelines via flowcharts and worked examples accompanied by pseudo-code. Our process and its impact on improving the accessibility and utility of the end product provides a roadmap for other groups undertaking similar community-driven activities to develop and disseminate new Ocean Best Practices. |
DOI | 10.3389/fmars.2024.1358591 |