The development of a Data Management System in the Luquillo experimental forest Long-Term Ecological Research (LUQ LTER) site

Data Management Systems (DMS) address the organization of large amounts of data and their documentation to make the data accessible to current and future generations. They facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists and synthesis of scientific results. The development of the Luquillo (LUQ) Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) data management system provides a case study. The LUQ LTER program began in 1988 with the goal of integrating studies of disturbance regime and forest structure and dynamics. A wide range of meteorological and ecological data are collected by collaborators from many academic, governmental, and private institutions. The development of data management systems at the LTER sites was mandated by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as part of its commitment to data accessibility. A thorough appreciation of DMS by the principal investigators at the site strengthened its development. The LTER Network Office has played a critical role in the implementation of this system by providing economic, professional, and computer resources. The formation of a DMS should be modular in its nature since it does not only respond to the developing needs of the researchers it supports but also must respond to the rapid development of computer technology. The World Wide Web has fueled and revolutionized this process. Interactions among the LTER Data Managers who meet annually to work on common network projects and discuss common issues has been a critical component of the LUQ DMS development.