Retrieve

2. Data Set Security Issues

The WOUDC data output is freely available for public use and all files are write protected with read only access. There are special circumstances, however, which require a single user or group of users to have the ability to freely exchange data at a level of security which permits both read and write access to that specified group.

In response to this need for a higher level of security, special "secure" directories and user access through a specified username/password will be made available to interested individuals or groups. The general procedure to access these new directories by means of the Internet File Transfer Protocol (FTP) will remain the same, just the username and password will be different. Files and documentation may then be freely exchanged within this second level and be protected from "public" viewing.

The submission of data either to the "secure" or public directories is acceptable, the latter being preferred. In the case of UV data, originators should note that users of public data are advised by the WOUDC to abide at all times by whatever stipulations the originator has written in the WUDC Scientific Sponsorship Statement (SSS) file. Refer to the UV guide for further details on the SSS format.

To get special directory access, the user will have to complete the information and sign the security and protocol form and forward them by mail or fax to the WOUDC.

Protocol and Security

This document outlines the protocol to be followed for obtaining access to the WOUDC special "secure" subdirectories.

PLEASE NOTE: In signing this document the user agrees to all elements of both the SECURITY and PROTOCOL sections.

Protocol

The World Ozone and Ultraviolet Radiation Data Centre (WOUDC) provides data sets to the scientific and educational communities free of charge. The WOUDC is one of several World Data Centres (WDC) operating under the auspices of the World Meteorological Organization - Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO-GAW).

Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) of the Twelfth World Meteorological Congress of the WMO states that data and products within the WMO networks be made available "... on a free and unrestricted basis." [1] to the scientific and education community. However, depending on the needs and wishes of the data originators, the WOUDC will post data so that access is restricted for an agreed limited duration (up to 2 years), after which, the restriction would be removed and the data would be made available through general access.

The conditions that a user must agree to before being allowed access to WOUDC "restricted" data are the subject of this document.

Access to WOUDC "restricted" data will be made available by means of a special FTP account upon receipt of this signed users protocol by the party(ies) wishing to use the data.

The WOUDC data archive contains the following data sets which are freely accessible:

  1. Total column ozone
  2. Ozonesonde profiles
  3. Umkehr retrievals
  4. Lidar profiles
  5. Surface ozone data
  6. Ultraviolet radiation data

Data sets that require a signed copy of this protocol include Level 0 (primary or "raw" data), processed data (Level 1) awaiting publication by the data originator or data products that are used as input data for Level 2 output generated by the WOUDC in a standard grid or an accepted algorithm.

Terms and Agreements of the Data Users Protocol

Completion of this form is required for access to the WOUDC "restricted" data sets which are not publicly available.

In signing this form the data user(s) agrees to all elements of both the SECURITY and DATA USE sections.

Security:

  • She/He will use the user identifier for their own personal use and will not make it available to another person;
  • She/He will keep the password known only to herself/himself;
  • She/He will inform the WOUDC administrators if it is suspected that someone else has logged into the WOUDC system using her/his identifier.

Data Use

  • The ownership of every data file is as specified by the WOUDC;
  • All WOUDC registered users have equal and complete access to the restricted data;
  • Submitters of data endeavour to notify the WOUDC as soon as possible of data which is considered suspect and to submit revised and/or corrected data;
  • Any kind of publication scientific or otherwise must have the written consent of the originator;
  • For data younger than one year joint authorship must be offered;
  • Any originator/owner of some WOUDC data has the right to refuse the use of his/her data in any publication by someone else;
  • Data are to be used for scientific and/or educational purposes.
  • The user will abide by any special stipulations that might be posted by WOUDC with the data to which they apply.