The Application of SPASE to Heliophysics Data Description

The Space Physics Archive Search and Extract (SPASE) Project has developed a Data Model for the description of heliophysics data sets. The Data Model is intended as a standard means for describing data so that the descriptions could be used for interoperable data search and retrieval across the varied archives and data centers that hold heliophysics data throughout the world. The success of this project depends on the wide usage of the Data Model in the community. In this presentation we will talk about the development of the Model through dedicated committee work and input from major international data centers and archives. We will show where to get the Model, how to apply it, and examples of its use. Version 1.1 is available presently and has been "frozen" for usage in a stable environment. (See http://www.spase-group.org) The Model will ultimately evolve as the needs of the community dictate. We invite feedback and participation in the evolution from interested members of the community, especially those associated with the heliophysics Virtual Observatory effort.