Standards for integration of multisource and cross-media environmental data

Introduction Traditionally, scientific communication has relied on information exchange through written documents. These documents present scientific concepts, theories and conclusions and may include summaries of the empirical data that support the conclusions. During the past 10 years to 15 years, information exchange has begun to include the compendium of data, where the data themselves are viewed as a product (EPA, 1993). Data and information exchange have now become integral to conducting environmental research and management.