Cat4KIT

In the rapidly evolving field of environmental research, the implementation of a robust, state-of-the-art Research Data Management (RDM) framework is becoming increasingly critical. Such a framework is essential to ensure compliance with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles, which are fundamental to promoting transparency and reproducibility in earth system sciences. While datasets tied to research publications are often made available through established repositories like Pangaea or Zenodo, data used in day-to-day research and inter-institutional projects is frequently shared via basic cloud storage or, worse, email. This approach undermines FAIR principles, as data often remains siloed in private or local storage systems, limiting accessibility and usability.

To address this issue, the Cat4KIT project aims to develop a cross-institutional catalog and RDM framework. Cat4KIT is a significant step toward the "FAIRification" of environmental data, facilitating the availability and accessibility of large-scale datasets and enhancing their value for interdisciplinary research and environmental policy-making. The framework is built on four core components:

1. data server / provider
2. metadata harvester
3. catalog service
4. data portal

The data server ensures access to datasets within typical storage systems by leveraging standardized interfaces such as the Thredds Data Server, Intake Catalogues, and the OGC SensorThings API, streamlining data retrieval and management. The DS2STAC (meta)data harvester automates the extraction of metadata from various sources and converts it into STAC-compliant formats and integrates the metadata into a STAC API-based catalog. This catalog service brings together diverse datasets into a cohesive, searchable spatial catalog, improving discoverability and usability through the Cat4KIT interface.

The data portal, finally, enhances accessibility by providing an intuitive interface that allows to search, filter, and navigate through data from connected infrastructures.

A key feature of Cat4KIT is its reliance on open-source solutions and adherence to community standards, ensuring compatibility with existing systems and scalability for future needs.

An openly available instance of Cat4KIT is currently running at the Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology: https://cat4kit.atmohub.kit.edu