Observations Workshop 2007 Session 1

This is version 2. It is not the current version, and thus it cannot be edited.
[Back to current version]   [Restore this version]

Session 1: Observational data "in the wild"

It is likely that workshop participants will have different perspectives on what constitutes observational data. This session will consider the various definitions in use for the terms "observation" and "observational data" to ascertain the breadth of the concepts that need to be captured/represented in a formal model. The objective is to clarify the various issues and underlying assumptions surrounding these terms, while forming a working "consensus" definition for "observational data" that will be used throughout the workshop.

Discussion Topics

What is meant by "observation" and "observational data"? What are the different types of observational data that should be considered in a standard data model?

• The kinds of data are collected, represented
• The ways data is collected (e.g., sensors, field, derived)
• The formats used to store data
• Are observations stand-alone entities (with all necessary context)?
• Are observations dependent on other observations?
• A consensus definition for observation?

Notes