About

About The Project

The Gale Crater Mineralogy and Geochemistry database (GCMGD) is a living repository of CheMin and related Mars Science Laboratory Mission data, integrated with tools and procedures for visualization and analysis.

GCMGD is not just a static repository but also provides tools for researchers to interact with and analyze the data. This approach fosters a more dynamic and collaborative environment for scientific exploration and discovery related to Mars and the MSL mission. If you have any specific questions about the database, feel free to ask!

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Data Availability

GCMGD provides data when it is publicly available in the Planetary Data System (PDS). The PDS is the NASA-sponsored system that archives and distributes planetary mission data.

Visualization Tools

The project incorporates tools for visualization, including interactive charts. These charts display data points and allow users to explore and analyze the information in a more intuitive way.

Tools for analysis

Access to data analysis tools, like QAnalyze ( https://www.qanalyze.com/) that are required to understand and re-analyze the original raw data, replicate experiments, or even perform entirely new studies with different starting hypotheses.

About The Open Data Repository (ODR)

GCMGD uses ODR as database backend software. ODR is open-source, discipline agnostic software for the rapid online publication of datasets, with no need to write code (we liken it to the WordPress for data). 

The platform supports a diverse array of data types and formats, with customizable layout and dataset design edited using a drag-and-drop interface. ODR can create interactive datasets, with dynamic graphing capabilities, plugins for specific functionality, and the ability to integrate with 3rd party apps for online data analysis. Dataset creation is streamlined using customizable templates, which also enhance cross-dataset searching. 

GCMGD is a prime example of ODR’s capabilities in handling datasets in the planetary science.

Living Datasets

Datasets can be expanded to incorporate data derived from newer research techniques or data formats as the dataset lives and evolves. These tools allow researchers to create, publish, analyze, and maintain living datasets that are more useful and versatile than static repositories of legacy data.

Controlled access

Data access is managed through a permissions system that allows datasets to serve as collaborative environment for research teams prior to public release.

Citation and Accesibility

Datasets are citable and digital object identifiers are assigned on creation. Additionally, the ODR system also makes each data record accessible through an API (Application Programming Interface) that facilitates interaction between external computer programs and the database.

Cite the database:

Lafuente, B., Blake, D., Bristow, T., Rampe, E., Downs, R., Sarrazin, P., Downs, G., Stone, N., Pires, A., Vaniman, D., Yen, A., Franz, H., Lyness, E., & Fraeman, A. (2021). Gale Crater Mineralogy and Geochemistry database (GCMG). [Data set]. Open Data Repository. https://doi.org/10.48484/JN48-YW52.