Fact Sheet 2011–3038
Effective decision making is closely related to the quality and completeness of available data and information. Data management helps to ensure data quality in any discipline and supports decision making. Managing data as a long-term scientific asset helps to ensure that data will be usable beyond the original intended application. Emerging issues in water-resources management and climate variability require the ability to analyze change in the conditions of natural resources over time. The availability of quality, well-managed, and documented data from the past and present helps support this requirement.
First posted May 30, 2012
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Burley, T.E., 2012, Sound data management as a foundation for natural resources management and science: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2011–3038, 2 p.
Introduction—A Business and Scientific Case for Data Management
What Can Databases Do for You?
Data Management Capabilities of the USGS Texas Water Science Center
Recent Activities and Reports