ABCDEF
1
POAwg Network-Level Metadata Model v2.1
2
Database fields (aka metadata elements) to describe polar observing networks; see also a separate tab, "controlled vocabularies for specific elements". Elements in red are required.
3
This document was released on September 12, 2025 by the SAON Polar Observing Assets Working Group (POAwg), and has been used for development of the Registry of Polar Observing Networks (RoPON).
4
For definitions of "Observing Networks", "Observing Assets", "Asset Types", and more, see also the RoPON FAQ page.
5
Field AliasField DefinitionFormatExample EntryMultiplicity
[0..1], [1..1], [1..n]		Your Network
6
Network Information
7
Network NameFull name of the observing network.TextSvalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System1..1
8
Network AbbreviationAcronym or short name of the observing network.TextSIOS1..1
9
Network DescriptionShort summary of the observing network, including geographic or thematic scope.TextAn international observing system for long-term measurements in and around the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard addressing Earth System Science questions.1..1
10
Network WebsiteLink to the website for the observing network.URLsios-svalbard.org1..1
11
Network LogoLink to an image showing the logo of the observing network.URLhttps://sios-svalbard.org/system/files/common/Logo-SIOS-ORIGINAL-rgb-simple_trimmed_small.png0..1
12
OrganizationOne or more entities responsible for funding or operation of the observing network.TextSIOS Knowledge Centre | Research Council of Norway0..n
13
ContactEmail address or URL for contacting the observing network.Email or URLinformation@sios-svalbard.org1..1
14
Data RepositoryOne or more links to data repositories hosting scientific data from the network (such as the Polar Data Catalogue, NSF Arctic Data Center, or PANGAEA). (This field pertains to scientific datasets, not observing assets).URLhttps://sios-svalbard.org0..n
15
Network IDAn identifier for the network generated by an organization, registry, or catalog.Text or URLNOAA EORES ID: 3703660..n
16
RoPON Network IDA unique alphanumeric identifier automatically generated for the network by the Registry of Polar Observing Networks (RoPON).URLhttps://polarobservingregistry.org/networks/c3450f31-8ba8-4475-96bd-449641a11f5d1..1
17
Observational Scope
18
DomainsScope of observations across Atmosphere, Land, and/or Ocean.Controlled VocabularyAtmosphere | Land | Ocean1..n
19
DisciplinesBranch of scientific knowledge or thematic focus for the observing network.Controlled VocabularyBiology | Cryosphere | Data Management | Geological Sciences | Meteorology and Climate | Oceanography1..n
20
Spatial and Temporal Coverage
21
Year StartedThe year that observations within the network began.Date20100..1
22
RegionsSpatial coverage of the network as described by one or more broad geographical areas, such as Arctic, Antarctica, Southern Ocean, etc.Controlled VocabularyArctic1..n
23
SubregionsSpatial coverage of the network as described by smaller geographic areas, such as Alaska, Iceland, Beaufort Sea, Russian Subarctic, West Antarctica, Ross Sea, etc.Controlled VocabularySvalbard1..n
24
Spatial ExtentSpatial coverage of the network as delineated by one or more bounding boxes. Each box is defined as a pair of latitude and longitude coordinates for the southwest and northeast corners.Text"box": "76 10 81 34"1..n
25
Observing Assets and Asset-Level Metadata Interoperability
26
Asset TypesCategorization of discrete infrastructure or coordinated activities for observing such as sites, mobile platforms, satellites, projects, campaigns, and initiatives.Controlled Vocabularysites1..n
27
Asset Metadata Catalog?Does the network have a catalog, spreadsheet, list, or other means of tracking details about individual observing assets such as observing sites, mobile platforms, satellites, research projects, field campaigns, cruises, programs, etc.? (This field pertains to observing assets, not scientific datasets). Controlled VocabularyYes1..1
28
Metadata Access?Is the network's asset-level catalog, spreadsheet, list, or other documentation enabled online for public viewing, download, or other access?Controlled VocabularyYes0..1
29
Machine-Readable Access?Is the network's asset-level metadata catalog enabled for access with an API or endpoint URL for automated harvesting of asset-level metadata records?Controlled VocabularyYes0..1
30
Metadata StandardsMetadata standards, or a custom schema, in use for public access to a network's structured information about observing assets (such as ISO 19115, INSPIRE EF, WMO WIGOS, etc.).Controlled VocabularyWMO WIGOS0..n
31
Access ProtocolsTransfer protocols or web service formats in use for public access to a network's structured information about observing assets (such as file download, custom API, or OGC WFS).Controlled VocabularyAPI | file download0..n
32
Metadata Catalog LinksLinks to one or more webpages presenting a network's catalog, spreadsheet, list, or other documentation about observing assets.URLhttps://sios-svalbard.org/sios-ri-catalogue0..n
33
Other
34
Date Last ModifiedAn automatically generated timestamp for the last time that content within a record was changed or updated.Date7/26/231..1
35
Last Modified ByFirst name and last name of the person that last changed or edited content in a record.TextWilliam Manley1..1
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100