Back to success stories

Augmenting free access to scientific data

70% Complete

An application enables better data visualization of and access to ICIMOD data from the HKH

Augmenting free access to scientific data

ICIMOD’s Data Sharing Policy encourages open and free access to and use of scientific data. Accordingly, in 2019, we integrated a Data Explorer application into the portal for the Regional Database System (RDS), our central data repository for different thematic areas in the HKH region. This application allows visualization of data as dynamic maps and charts. Users can share the generated maps and charts on social media by using integrated buttons in the application.

We also rolled out unique digital object identifiers (DOIs) for all public datasets on the RDS portal. Leading research libraries, technical information providers, and scientific data centres have adopted DOIs primarily to establish easier access to research data on the internet, and to increase acceptance of research data as legitimate, citable contributions in scientific literature. DOIs also contribute to improved discovery of ICIMOD data.

To underpin free access to scientific data from the HKH region, we continue to make relevant ICIMOD datasets available from the GEOSS GeoPortal and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. We also supported the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) in Bhutan to operationalize their data-sharing hub. We are now working with partners to make the RDS infrastructure available to partner institutes in HKH countries to host and disseminate data and metadata.

The RDS system ingests and curates datasets generated by ICIMOD and its partners under different ICIMOD initiatives. The portal makes these datasets available for download to various kinds of users: government and non-governmental agencies, researchers, and the general public.

ICIMOD is working with partners to make the RDS infrastructure available to partner institutes in HKH countries to host and disseminate data and metadata.

Chapter 2

Knowledge generation and use

Influencing National Programmes on GLOFs

The HKH region contains the largest concentration of snow, glaciers, and permafrost. The snow and ice-covered HKH Mountains are a ...

Navigating the national drought emergency in Afghanistan

Pastoral communities in the western Himalaya drylands are extremely vulnerable to recurrent droughts. Through our SERVIR-HKH ...

Flagship publications of 2021

In 2021, we published three books based on the work across three different initiatives.

9 Jul 2021 SERVIR-HKH
Monitoring cryosphere resources in Afghanistan

Despite the significant contributions ...

Engaging local-level policymakers in tailoring climate information

A rapidly changing climate and frequent extreme weather events are resulting in disturbances in the largely ...

Analysing land use change for improved decision making

Recognising the data gaps in land cover and inconsistencies in land cover maps in the HKH ...

14 Aug 2020 Atmosphere
Black carbon and glacier melt

How emissions affect our water systems

Promoting understanding of local air pollution implications

Since radio has both a large user base and low barrier to access, it is an ...