The Earth Science Data Systems Standards Process

NASA's Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) anticipates that effective adoption of standards will play an increasingly vital role in the success of future science data systems. 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 in NASA earth science data systems. The process, refined through study of ESDS management priorities and through interaction with ESDS 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 ESDS stakeholders, directs the process. Proposed standards are submitted by practitioners within the ESDS community. The focus on working standards means that decisions are oriented towards the "endorsement" of standards, rather than the "development" of standards. These proposed standards are described by a Request For Comment (RFC) document, similar in concept to RFC’s established by the IETF.

Submitted RFC’s are evaluated in two phases by the SPG and the broader community to assess workability of implementation and success of operation. This two step process is depicted in the Figure below. The first phase consists of an initial screening of the RFC and the second phase consists of the process through which the RFC is approved.

The first phase is performed by the SPG and consists of an initial evaluation and screening of the RFC to consider broad applicability and relevance to NASA’s Earth Science community. This initial screening results in categorizing the RFC as a Standards Track or a Technical Track document. These RFC categories are further described in ESDS-RFC-002 .

The subsequent phase is performed under the direction of the SPG and a Technical Working Group (TWG), commissioned by the SPG. There are three types of reviews that are potentially needed to evaluate a proposed standard:

1. a detailed technical review,
2. a usefulness review and
3. an operational suitability review

The technical review determines the quality, accuracy and clarity of the proposed specification; the usefulness review determines if the proposed standard is useful, helpful or necessary to the user to carry out his or her work; while the operational suitability review determines if the proposed standard can work in an operational setting, in a NASA environment and with NASA data. To evaluate each proposed standard, the TWG will identify the community of users who can aid in each review.

The SPG considers the results of the TWG and the received comments before making a recommendation to NASA ESDS management.

Characteristic of the process

The process relies on the dynamism inherent in technology development. In areas where there are competing standards and without demonstrated operational benefit, standards may remain in, and be usable as a "Technical Note". Even when the technology is proven (i.e. has gained "Recommended Standard" status), there is explicit understanding that the use of a given standard by a particular funded activity may not be appropriate.

The process relies on community experience and advocacy. Standards will grow out of practices rather than be developed by expert committee and imposed.

The process is advisory. The decisions of the SPG are recommendations. The NASA ESDS Program Executive is responsible for final approval of all SPG recommendations.