Background
EC-OBPSS proposes the inclusion of an EMODnet Themes metadata field. This field does not currently exist in IOC-OBPS.
Current situation
IOC-OBPS: No dedicated metadata field for EMODnet Themes. EMODnet Best Practices can currently be identified through the Communities section of the repository.
EC-OBPSS proposes the use of the EMODnet Themes classification:
- Bathymetry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Human Activities
- Physics
- Seabed Habitats
These themes are the official thematic domains used by EMODnet. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Assessment
EMODnet Themes are a well-established classification within EMODnet and are useful for organizing marine data and products.
However, for OBPS they may provide limited additional value, as they appear to overlap with existing metadata, particularly Parameter Disciplines, and EMODnet-affiliated Best Practices are already discoverable through the Communities metadata field.
Before introducing a new metadata field, we would like to understand whether EMODnet Themes provide additional discovery capabilities that cannot already be achieved through the existing metadata model.
Questions for the community
- Would an EMODnet Themes field significantly improve the discovery of Best Practices?
- Does this field provide information that is not already represented by Parameter Disciplines or Communities?
- Are there use cases where EMODnet Themes would be the preferred classification?
- We would particularly welcome feedback from the EMODnet community on the added value of including this metadata field in OBPS.
Proposed outcome
Current recommendation: Do not introduce EMODnet Themes as a separate metadata field unless the community identifies clear use cases demonstrating added value beyond the existing metadata model.
This recommendation can be revisited based on feedback from EMODnet representatives.
References
Background
EC-OBPSS proposes the inclusion of an EMODnet Themes metadata field. This field does not currently exist in IOC-OBPS.
Current situation
IOC-OBPS: No dedicated metadata field for EMODnet Themes. EMODnet Best Practices can currently be identified through the Communities section of the repository.
EC-OBPSS proposes the use of the EMODnet Themes classification:
These themes are the official thematic domains used by EMODnet. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Assessment
EMODnet Themes are a well-established classification within EMODnet and are useful for organizing marine data and products.
However, for OBPS they may provide limited additional value, as they appear to overlap with existing metadata, particularly Parameter Disciplines, and EMODnet-affiliated Best Practices are already discoverable through the Communities metadata field.
Before introducing a new metadata field, we would like to understand whether EMODnet Themes provide additional discovery capabilities that cannot already be achieved through the existing metadata model.
Questions for the community
Proposed outcome
Current recommendation: Do not introduce EMODnet Themes as a separate metadata field unless the community identifies clear use cases demonstrating added value beyond the existing metadata model.
This recommendation can be revisited based on feedback from EMODnet representatives.
References