Citation information for individual datasets is often provided in the metadata. However, not all datasets have this information embedded in the discovery metadata. On a general basis a citation of a dataset include the same components as any other citation:
author,
title,
year of publication,
publisher (for data this is often the archive where it is housed),
edition or version,
access information (a URL or persistent identifier, e.g. DOI if provided)
The information required to properly cite a dataset is normally provided in the discovery metadata the datasets.
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Brief user guide
The Data Access Portal has information in 3 columns. An outline of the content in these columns is provided above. When first entering the search interface, all potential datasets are listed. Datasets are indicated in the map and results tabulation elements which are located in the middle column. The order of results can be modified using the "Sort by" option in the left column. On top of this column is normally relevant guidance information to user presented as collapsible elements.
If the user want to refine the search, this can be done by constraining the bounding box search. This is done in the map - the listing of datasets is automatically updated. Date constraints can be added in the left column. For these to take effect, the user has to push the button marked search. In the left column it is also possible to specific text elements to search for in the datasets. Again pushing the button marked "Search" is necessary for these to take action. Complex search patterns can be constructed using logical operators through the drop down menu above the text field. Text strings that are not quoted are treated as separate words and will match any of the words (i.e. assuming the OR operator). Phrases may be prefixed with '-' to indicate no occurence of the phrase in the results.
Other elements indicated in the left and right columns are facet searches, i.e. these are keywords that are found in the datasets and all datasets that contain these specific keywords in the appropriate metadata elements are listed together. Further refinement can be done using full text, date or bounding box constraints. Individuals, organisations and data centres involved in generating or curating the datasets are listed in the facets in the right column.
FRIDTJOF MEHLUM:
A DATABASE FOR OBSERVATIONS ON THE ANIMAL LIFE OF
SVALBARD
The observations of the animal life in Svalbard made by members of
different scientific expeditions and other visitors to the islands are often
reported in odd journals or expedition reports. As an institute responsible
for biological mapping and research conceming management of the biological
resources in the Svalbard area, Norsk Polarinstitutt gathers all available
observation data on the different animal species in this area.
A comprehensive faunistic paper on the birds of Svalbard was published
by Dr. Herman Løvenskiold in his thesis 'Avifauna Svalbardensis'
which appeared in 1964. His work, however, included only observations
made before 1960. In later years the activity of biologists and other skilled
observers has increased remarkedly, and much new faunistic information
is reported. The most interesting records reported to Norsk Polarinstitutt
have been published annually in the Institute's year books.
In the middle of the l 970s the amount of faunistic information had
increased so much that the Institute decided to establish a database to cope
with it all. The database is now operative in its first phase. It contains
both single observations and systematically sampled data from research
groups. So far, only birds and mammals are included in the base. Most of
the observations are from the period after 1960, but some are from earlier
literature (e.g. Løvenskiold 1964 ).
The main applications of the database are:
1. Mapping of distribution and abundance of different animal species.
2. Mapping of geographical areas with concentrations of animal life, such
as bird cliffs, hauling out and whelping grounds for seals. In other
words, areas where the animal life can be threatened by disturbances
or pollution.
3. Supply of information about the reproduction and different types
of biometrical data of the species concemed. "
The information stored in the database can be handled by easy computer
commands to provide the desired tables and maps. One application
could be to select all available observations of a species made during certain
specified months of the year, another to select all animal observations
recorded in a limited geographical area. A practical example of the latter
case would appear in connection with a presumptive future oil spill along
the coast of Spitsbergen. From the database one can easily select the coastal
areas with animal life of special conservation value, and put all efforts into
these areas to protect the animals from damage or to minimize the damage.
At the end of 1982 the database comprised about 4700 observations
from the land areas of Svalbard. In addition a comprehensive material on
the pelagic distribution of sea birds and marine mammals in the seas and ice
covered areas around Svalbard will be included in the base in the near
future. This information was collected by Norsk Polarinstiutt in the years
1980-82. An example of distribution maps based on these observations
is presented as Fig. 1. Here the distribution of the Briinnich's guillemot
Uria lomiva during the two expedition cruises by M/S 'Lance' in July -
August 1982, is shown.
The database is currently being expanded and will be annually updated
to comprise all available records of different species of birds and
mammals. The base will be available to researchers, institutions, and other
users. For foreign users, the outputs can be supplied in English.