Description:
EarthCube is a process established to transform the conduct of research through the development
of community-guided cyberinfrastructure. Specifically, EarthCube is attempting to integrate data
and information knowledge management across the Geosciences; providing capabilities that permit
scientists to conduct research in a more productive way, integrating their work with data from
other agencies as well as international partners. Thus, EarthCube aims to create a knowledge
management system and infrastructure that integrates all Earth system and human dimensions
data in an open, transparent, and inclusive manner. EarthCube requires broad community
participation in concept, framework, and implementation, and must not be hindered by rigid
preconceptions.
We were tasked with creating a roadmap for the future governance of EarthCube. This paper
provides three complete units for accomplishing this. Part 1 – the Roadmap – provides action items
and a timeline for developing and implementing a governance framework. Part 2 – the Roadmap
Documentation – provides insight into the ten guidance points presented by the National Science
Foundation (NSF) at the onset of this project. Part 3 – provides a complete summary of the research
and community outreach conducted to produce parts 1 and 2.