Why Data Management?
Research data and ocean observations are an invaluable heritage of knowledge and its reuse, when possible, has the potentiel to benefits us all. To make this possible, however, data management is essential.
Access Data
By integrating data files on an online portal, we ensure that they remain accessible and reusable over time, enabling a better understanding of the St. Lawrence.
Awareness that the data exist publicly avoids the duplication of costly data collection and observation efforts.
Increase Quality
Data available on SLGO goes through (meta)data quality controls, which makes it possible to identify potential input errors or anomalies (aberrant data, missing variables, etc.), in addition to making them meet internationally recognized data management standards, thus enhancing their quality.
By sharing data with SLGO, partner organizations benefit from our expertise in data management, through training sessions and follow-ups allowing them to be informed of the most up to date data standards and structures.
Support decision making
Standardizing your data according to internationally recognized data management standards makes it easier to integrate datasets and use them between themselves. Data from various organizations can thus be compared and analyzed more easily and inform decision making.
Collaboration & International Visibility
Developing data dissemination tools makes it possible to communicate their existence and promotes collaborations. Standardized data that meets the highest requirements can be shared on international platforms and thus help promote the work of data producers.
FAIR & CARE Principles
Our approach is based on the FAIR principles. These principles aim to make data discoverable, accessible, interoperable and reusable. The CARE Principles complement our approach for data originating or in relation with Indigenous communities and address some of the growing concerns revolving around sharing sensitive data.
See our pages on the definition of FAIR Principles and CARE Principles or download printable posters.
Once the standardization of data is completed, their centralization on a platform like SLGO.ca becomes possible. The pooling of data thus promotes a better understanding of the St. Lawrence and promotes informed management of the activities that take place there.
For example, our Biodiversity visualization tool brings together observations of several hundred species from several dozen collections from numerous partners. Without sound data management, meeting rigorous standards, this tool would not be possible!
