Data Management: Data Analysis Types of Data Analysis at USGS There are several ways to classify Data Analysis activities at USGS, and here are some of them. The Analyze Stage Can Trigger Additional Data Acquisitions and Processing Frequently the exploration and interpretation of data at the Analysis stage of the data lifecycle reveals additional data acquisitions or processing needed to meet the research goals of a project. ANALYZE Landing Page Strawman Data Analysis encompasses two broad perspectives in data management. (1) The typical view is that the data, having been adequately prepared for use, are analyzed to detect patterns and generate interpretations of value to science. Alternatively (2) a data analysis may be less targeted, and deal with summarization or profiling of the data in order to better understand the content, context, and quality. ANALYZE Analysis Documentation Capturing and communicating information about how an Analysis was performed is critical for reproducible science. Analytical Tools Used at USGS Data analysis can involve a lot of different tools and techniques. Some tools made by USGS staff are widely shared and used by others. Examples of Data Analysis at USGS (and the Future) Creative approaches to data analysis are nothing new to USGS researchers. The future holds promise in hosting some analytical tools and methodologies online.

Data Management: Data Analysis ANALYZE Landing Page Strawman Cont’d What the U.S. Geological Survey Manual Says: Policies that apply to the Analyze stage largely deal with providing appropriate documentation of the tools and methods used to discover patterns and interpret the data, either through statistical summarization, modeling, or visualization. The USGS Manual Chapter Fundamental Science Practices: Planning and Conducting Data Collection and Research discusses the requirements for data documentation:Chapter Fundamental Science Practices: Planning and Conducting Data Collection and Research "Documentation: Data collected for publication in databases or information products, regardless of the manner in which they are published (such as USGS reports, journal articles, and Web pages), must be documented to describe the methods or techniques used to collect, process, and analyze data (including computer modeling software and tools produced by USGS); the structure of the output; description of accuracy and precision; standards for metadata; and methods of quality assurance." The USGS Manual Chapter Fundamental Science Practices: Review, Approval, and Release of Information Products covers the documentation of methodology:Chapter Fundamental Science Practices: Review, Approval, and Release of Information Products "Methods used to collect data and produce results must be defensible and adequately documented." ANALYZE Recommended Reading: References:

Data Management: Data Analysis ANALYZE Landing Page Strawman Cont’d ANALYZE

Sub Part Definition More Defs Etc Best Practices What the Survey Manual Says References Key Points Bubble Etc Recommended Reading 1 st Sublevel Page Special Call-out ANALYZE