News - NASA Langley Research Center
GLOBE Science Protocol Deactivation Process Update
The GLOBE Implementation Office (GIO) and The GLOBE Program’s Data Information Services (DIS) have finalized the internal process for deactivating six science protocols.
The GLOBE Program, as a science and education program, has over 50 protocols. The following protocols (see below) which were identified by the Science Working Group in consultation with GIO and the community, were presented to the NASA GLOBE Program Manager. Following discussions and further clarifications on specific protocols, a final list was identified for deactivation and approved by NASA Headquarters:
- Atmosphere: Surface Ozone
- Hydrosphere: Mosquito Larvae
- Hydrosphere: Salinity Titration
- Biosphere: Lilac Phenology
- Biosphere: Ruby Throated Hummingbird
- Pedosphere: Soil Moisture Sensor
Brief History
In 2020, GIO worked with the Science Working Group and the community to initiate the science protocol deactivation process with the objective of evaluating existing protocols as part of GIO’s ongoing efforts to make GLOBE responsive to the community and to strengthen the program, providing opportunities for future growth.
The Science Working Group developed evaluation criteria, assessed current protocols, and developed a recommended list of protocols to be considered for deactivation and possible deactivation. The criteria were related to the program’s goals in science and education, as well as implementation in a learning environment, and possible societal impacts. The developed criteria for the deactivation of GLOBE protocols and the list of protocols recommended for deactivation or possible deactivation was distributed to the community for comment in January 2021.
What the Deactivation Process Entails
The process requires thoughtful work by both GIO and DIS in the following areas: website and visualization system content and references, data entry and retrieval systems, eTrainings, archiving all related data, Teacher’s guide, server redirects, learning activities, and creation of website archival pages for each deactivated protocol,
When the Deactivation Process Will Being
The schedule for GIO and DIS activities is slated for 2023 and stepwise progress will be determined and communicated as GIO has additional updates. Updates will include specific deactivation dates and where to find all data and material assets on the website.
What the Protocol Deactivation Means
Once a protocol is deactivated, data for that protocol cannot be entered into the database after a specified date. Deactivation has been defined as an archival process. Said another way, the historical data will still be available but you will no longer be able to enter new data.
Once a protocol is deactivated, the program will not update the technological, educational, or scientific resources for that protocol. (If so desired, local data for the protocol could be entered and maintained in a spreadsheet developed by the user.) All visualization and tool supported data retrieval (ADAT, API) will be removed from the site.
Existing measurement data will be archived and retrievable via a flat file. All teaching and learning materials associated with the deactivated protocol(s), such as the protocol(s) guides, associated learning activities, training material or other resources, will still be available on the website in a designated area.
If determined to be in the best interest of the program, part or all of a protocol can be reactivated at a future date.
Stay tuned for additional information.
News origin: GLOBE Implementation Office