2. Pre Cruise Planning and Preparation

Before departure, create detailed plans for data collection, processing, storage, and dissemination. Confirm roles and responsibilities with vessel and vehicle operators. Each vessel and vehicle has different expectations for what operators provide to science teams.

Data Management and Processing Plans

Answer these critical questions with your science and operator team:

What data types are being collected? Confirm expectations with vessel and vehicle operators, including data formats and hardware needed for data transfer.

What processing is occurring, when, where, and by whom? Plan for any processing beyond raw (level 0) data products. Many data types require at-sea processing to inform the next dive or deployment. Document when and where processing happens, the resulting products, and who is responsible. What processing software or hardware is required, what is provided by the science mission team and what is provided by the operator?

Where will your data go? Confirm requirements for data release timelines, accessibility, and archival with your funding sources and vessel/vehicle operators. Check ingest requirements with your intended repositories, including metadata requirements.

Create a Data Management Plan and Data Processing Plan in collaboration with vessel and vehicle operators.

Vessel and Vehicle Information

Operational Information and Expectations

Data Planning Resources