Prior to computerization, climate and environmental data had been recorded manually and mechanically on paper and filmstrips. Without digitization and database management, these records are essentially lost to the scientific community; and if the paper and filmstrip records deteriorate, these climate records are lost forever.
In the data rescue process, IEDRO follows these basic steps:
(1) Coordinate with a country’s meteorological National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) team to train staff in conducting the data rescue phase:
- Locate data
- Organize data
- Inventory data
- Store data
(2) Assist the NHMS to prepare data for digitization
- Fund and deliver scanning and digitization technologies, including computers, digital cameras, camera stands, and scanners.
- Train NMHS personnel to scan precipitation strip charts and photograph hydrometeorological alphanumeric records.
- Assist NMHS personnel in managing file organization, file naming, and transmission of photographed and scanned images to IEDRO.
(3) Manage the digitization process
- IEDRO receives and manages photographed and scanned images.
- IEDRO coordinates and manages the digitization process using IEDRO software.
- IEDRO submits the data to free and open climate research databases, such as the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) databases, and returns the digitized data to the NMHS as well.
(4) Assist the NMHS in using their data
- IEDRO trains NMHS, if desired, in climate applications using their data.