VI
Introduction to the Series
presenting new data and knowledge interfaces designed to optimize
interoperability and thereby increase the potential of sharing data
among databases and networks;
•
intensifying international cooperation in communication and data
sharing. This implies work dealing with standardization, data quality
agreements and conceptual data descriptions (metadata, syntactic and
semantic approaches), the evolution of Internet-based facilities, other
forms of worldwide communications and electronic publishing;
developing creative designs in the field of engineering, including
cognitive aspects critical to data-based decision making.
In view of the changing nature of the information required to study complex
systems, CODATA's scope now includes data activities and interdisciplinary
modeling such as that encountered in far-reaching projects (e.g. Global Change,
various Genome projects, environmental and biodiversity issues, etc.) or in certain
medical information systems. Most of the above will therefore be highlighted in
this Series.
Moreover, the present Communication Revolution intensifies the role of data and
information, thus challenging our ability to adapt our quality control to the new
dimensions of the emerging network systems on local, regional and international
levels.
As dozens of new sites appear daily on the Internet, driving on the information
highway becomes more and more difficult. Paradoxically, the increasing power of
the network may lead to a giant information traffic jam: too much information may
kill information. Now is the time to structure the access and to cross-validate
information systems and databases. This requires a lot of work but is necessary to
ensure reliable access to pertinent scientific data. The 12th International CODATA
Conference, held in Columbus in 1990, was entitled "Data for Discovery". This
slogan is still alive today and could be extended by "Internet for Discovery". More
than ever, today's powerful emerging tools should help in the production and use
of information, the future resource for the society of worldwide knowledge that the
coming century will witness.
In this evolving world where, in many ways, data are becoming essential resources,
this Series aims to present innovative concepts ultimately leading to new
information paradigms. In so doing, it should become an intensive, thoughtprovoking forum.
l.-E. Dubois
President of CODATA
Introduction to the Series
presenting new data and knowledge interfaces designed to optimize
interoperability and thereby increase the potential of sharing data
among databases and networks;
•
intensifying international cooperation in communication and data
sharing. This implies work dealing with standardization, data quality
agreements and conceptual data descriptions (metadata, syntactic and
semantic approaches), the evolution of Internet-based facilities, other
forms of worldwide communications and electronic publishing;
developing creative designs in the field of engineering, including
cognitive aspects critical to data-based decision making.
In view of the changing nature of the information required to study complex
systems, CODATA's scope now includes data activities and interdisciplinary
modeling such as that encountered in far-reaching projects (e.g. Global Change,
various Genome projects, environmental and biodiversity issues, etc.) or in certain
medical information systems. Most of the above will therefore be highlighted in
this Series.
Moreover, the present Communication Revolution intensifies the role of data and
information, thus challenging our ability to adapt our quality control to the new
dimensions of the emerging network systems on local, regional and international
levels.
As dozens of new sites appear daily on the Internet, driving on the information
highway becomes more and more difficult. Paradoxically, the increasing power of
the network may lead to a giant information traffic jam: too much information may
kill information. Now is the time to structure the access and to cross-validate
information systems and databases. This requires a lot of work but is necessary to
ensure reliable access to pertinent scientific data. The 12th International CODATA
Conference, held in Columbus in 1990, was entitled "Data for Discovery". This
slogan is still alive today and could be extended by "Internet for Discovery". More
than ever, today's powerful emerging tools should help in the production and use
of information, the future resource for the society of worldwide knowledge that the
coming century will witness.
In this evolving world where, in many ways, data are becoming essential resources,
this Series aims to present innovative concepts ultimately leading to new
information paradigms. In so doing, it should become an intensive, thoughtprovoking forum.
l.-E. Dubois
President of CODATA