Background
EC-OBPSS includes a metadata field for GOOS EOV Phenomena. This field does not currently exist in IOC-OBPS.
As part of the metadata alignment exercise, we evaluated whether this field should be incorporated into the OBPS metadata model.
Current situation
IOC-OBPS: No dedicated metadata field for GOOS EOV Phenomena.
EC-OBPSS uses the GOOS Key Phenomena list: https://goosocean.org/document/37429
Assessment
To assess the maturity and applicability of this metadata field, we reviewed its use in the GOOS BioEco Panel specification sheets.
The assessment found that the GOOS Key Phenomena are not applied consistently across the specification sheets. In many cases, the terminology has been adapted or modified rather than using the published list directly, resulting in inconsistent vocabulary and application.
At present, there does not appear to be a sufficiently mature or consistently implemented controlled vocabulary that would support reliable metadata assignment and discovery within OBPS.
Questions for the community
- Is the GOOS Key Phenomena list intended to become an authoritative controlled vocabulary?
- Are there governance plans to standardize its use across GOOS panels and specification sheets?
- Does this metadata field provide additional value beyond existing metadata such as Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) and Parameter Disciplines?
- Are there use cases demonstrating that this field significantly improves discovery or interoperability?
Proposed outcome
Current recommendation: Do not introduce GOOS EOV Phenomena as a separate metadata field in OBPS until there is a stable, consistently applied, and community-endorsed controlled vocabulary.
This recommendation can be revisited if the GOOS community formalizes and consistently adopts the vocabulary in future specifications.
References
Background
EC-OBPSS includes a metadata field for GOOS EOV Phenomena. This field does not currently exist in IOC-OBPS.
As part of the metadata alignment exercise, we evaluated whether this field should be incorporated into the OBPS metadata model.
Current situation
IOC-OBPS: No dedicated metadata field for GOOS EOV Phenomena.
EC-OBPSS uses the GOOS Key Phenomena list: https://goosocean.org/document/37429
Assessment
To assess the maturity and applicability of this metadata field, we reviewed its use in the GOOS BioEco Panel specification sheets.
The assessment found that the GOOS Key Phenomena are not applied consistently across the specification sheets. In many cases, the terminology has been adapted or modified rather than using the published list directly, resulting in inconsistent vocabulary and application.
At present, there does not appear to be a sufficiently mature or consistently implemented controlled vocabulary that would support reliable metadata assignment and discovery within OBPS.
Questions for the community
Proposed outcome
Current recommendation: Do not introduce GOOS EOV Phenomena as a separate metadata field in OBPS until there is a stable, consistently applied, and community-endorsed controlled vocabulary.
This recommendation can be revisited if the GOOS community formalizes and consistently adopts the vocabulary in future specifications.
References