Guidelines for Submission of Data & Metadata

Please submit data and metadata files via email to the Information Manager. Special arrangements should be made for data files larger than 5 megabytes.

Datasets

The Harvard Forest Data Archive is organized by dataset. Each dataset contains one or more data files with accompanying metadata. Datasets vary widely in size and scope. Data files in a single dataset typically share common objectives, methods, study sites, funding, and personnel.

Each dataset is assigned a unique ID number (e.g., HF001). This number serves to identify the dataset for information management purposes and has no ordinal significance.

Metadata

Metadata provide the information required to locate, access, interpret, and use data correctly.

For new projects, please download, complete, and submit the HF Metadata Form. This form may also be used to submit metadata updates (if any) for ongoing projects. Variable-level metadata for individual data files may be included in this form or optionally submitted as separate files.

Once received, metadata will be converted by the Information Manager to EML (Ecological Metadata Language).

Data

Each dataset should contain the data necessary to support the published findings and to recreate the original analysis.

Tabular data. The preferred formats for submission are Excel spreadsheets or comma-delimited text files. Please do not use spaces or tabs as delimiters. The first line of each file should contain concise variable names (no embedded spaces). The second line may optionally contain measurement unit abbreviations. Missing values should be indicated by NA. Please avoid using empty fields. Codes must be clearly explained in the accompanying metadata. Numerical values with long decimal fractions should be rounded to be consistent with measurement accuracy.

Spatial data. The preferred formats for submission are ArcView or Idrisi files.