Programme Officer for Data Access and Database Interoperability, Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 København Ø, Denmark (dhobern@gbif.org)
During 2004 GBIF introduced a prototype Data Portal integrating access to a wide range of DiGIR and BioCASe data resources. This served as a proof of concept for constructing a dynamic index of such resources and highlighted some of the key areas requiring attention in future developments. However only an HTML interface has so far been offered to this index.
GBIF is now working to develop a range of data services based on this experience. The focus will be on the development of XML web services, with HTML interfaces secondarily developed upon such services. The strategy has been outlined in the GBIF Data Portal Strategy:
http://circa.gbif.net/Public/irc/gbif/dadi/library?l=/architecture/portal_strategy_1/
All software will be developed under an open source model and will be made available for use by other projects. Web services will be deployed for free and open access by the widest possible community.
The components proposed for development are as follows:
· SchemaRepository - resources to help users and tools to use biodiversity data standards
· GloballyUniqueIdentifierServices - assignment and resolution of GUIDs for biodiversity data items
· ServiceRegistry - central look-up point for biodiversity data resources
· DataIndex - rapid discovery of biodiversity data items by key fields
· DataValidationServices - tools to identify possible issues with structured biodiversity data records
· XMLDataServices - web service interfaces for tools and portals to download biodiversity data
· FeedbackServices - mechanisms to notify data providers about the use of their data
· HTMLUserPortal - interfaces for users to search and browse biodiversity data