Data publications with digital object identifiers (DOI) are best practice for FAIR sharing data. Originally developed with the purpose of providing permanent access to (static) datasets described in scholarly literature, DOI today are more and more assigned to dynamic data. These DOIs are providing a citable and traceable reference of various types of sources (data, software, samples, equipment) and means of rewarding the originators and institutions.
This is especially relevant for the geodesy, because, geodesy researchers are often much more involved in operational aspects and data provision than researchers in other fields might be. Therefore, compared to other scientific disciplines, geodesy researchers appear to be producing less “countable scientific” output. Consequently, geodesy data and equipment require a structured and well-documented mechanism which will enable citability, scientific recognition and reward that can be provided by assigning DOI to data and data products.
To address these challenges and to identify opportunities for improved coordination and advocacy within the geodetic community, the International Association of Geodesy’s (IAG) Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) has established a Working Group on “Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for Geodetic Data Sets”. This Working Group is designated to establish best practices and advocate for the consistent implementation of DOIs across all IAG Services and in the greater geodetic community.