We have implemented ongoing data governance initiatives to ensure the production of high-quality data products. CMAR’s data governance initiatives fall into two main categories; Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC).
Quality Assurance (QA) – QA processes are the activities and documentation completed before sampling to ensure collection of high-quality data. These include CMAR’s Data Management Plan, Standard Operating Procedures, and Sensor Calibration/Validation Procedures.
Quality Control (QC) – QC processes include the activities that occur after data collection to ensure production of high-quality data products. CMAR uses both automated and “human in the loop” processes to assess the quality of data observations, as described below.
We are working to apply automated Quality Control tests to evaluate each data record. CMAR has adopted the well-known QARTOD tests and associated flags. Records will typically be flagged as “Pass”, “Suspect/Of Interest”, “Not Evaluated”, or “Fail”.
The Data Management Plan is a formal document that outlines the intent for the Coastal Monitoring Program data throughout the program’s lifespan. It is a living document that is updated as the program expands and new data management practices are adopted.
CMAR has developed Standard Operating Procedures to document the program workflow from pre-deployment through to data publishing. Standard Operating Procedures are updated as the program expands, and new best practices are adopted.
