Ocean InfoHub: A Global Knowledge Network for the Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS)

The Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS) will provide a schema.org based interoperability layer and supporting technology to allow existing and emerging ocean data and information systems, from any stakeholder, to engage with one another. The ODIS-architecture development is being supported by the Ocean InfoHub Project (OIH), and it has been tested initially on Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) and partner databases. However, the system and standards are open for any institution or initiative that is interested in accessing the global data ecosystem to adopt and implement. OIH is describing six primary thematic areas: Experts and Institutions, Documents, Spatial Maps, Projects, Training, and Vessels. Supporting these are six more profiles around spatial, keyword linking and more. All are profiles built from core Schema.org types and are further supported by validation shape graphs. The profiles are designed to encourage graph connections between the various resource types published. OIH will leverage structured data on the web approaches for both the publishing and harvesting of the data graphs that collectively then form the OIH Knowledge Network. We will provide details on the software and architecture that support the publishing patterns used in OIH. We are also working with groups publishing resources leveraging Data Catalog Vocabulary (DCAT) and will discuss approaches leveraging existing DCAT Schema.org alignment patterns along with SHACL Advanced Features (SHACL AF). This and other approaches we will present are focused on providing pragmatic paths for broad engagement. The OIH Knowledge Network and the associated community of users will enable and accelerate more effective development and dissemination of digital technology and sharing of ocean data, information, and knowledge. As such, ODIS will not be a new portal or centralized system, but rather a collaborative solution to interlink distributed systems for common goals. Together with global project partners and partners in the three regions, a process of co-design will enable a number of global and regional nodes to test the proof of concept for the ODIS. Current status and results along with future plans for the work will be presented.