SIOS

The Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System is a collaborative interdisciplinary effort to develop and maintain a regional observational system for long-term measurements in and around Svalbard. SIOS is aiming at more efficient use and better integration of the observing system based on a distributed data management system, an open access programme that includes logistical support, as well as training and education activity.

Types and number of datasets

SIOS is an interdisciplinary effort that collects all Earth System Science data from the greater Svalbard region. These range from in-situ measurements including long-term observations to remote sensing and model output. Currently the SIOS Data Catalogue holds over 14.000 datasets.

Discovery and Access Mechanism

Users can access the SIOS Data Catalogue through an interface called Data Access Portal. Machine interfaces offered include OGC-CSW, OAI-PMH, and schema.org.

Data Access Policy

The SIOS Data Policy emphasizes free and open data, and is available through the SIOS website. No AAI is enforced for normal browsing of the data catalogue, but user registration/AAI is required to access higher order services like the basket or transformation services.

Function in Blue-Cloud

Within Blue-Cloud, SIOS aims to explore the possibility of expanding the existing Blue-Cloud metadata standards to fulfill the semantic interoperability  requirements. SIOS also helps to make some Blue- Cloud data sets more accessible by caching them  through the SIOS Data Management System.

SIOS is one of the new blue data infrastructures federated in Blue-Cloud 2026, making its data available via the Data Discovery & Access Service.