Enhancing Data Accessibility and Usability: Insights from Observation Data at the Ieodo Ocean Research Station (2005-2023)

Abstract

The Ieodo Ocean Research Station (IORS) has been a critical site for collecting oceanic and atmospheric data over 19 years (2005-2023). This study analyzes key parameters including tide, wave, water temperature, salinity, wind, air temperature, etc. While these datasets have provided valuable insights into regional climatic and oceanographic phenomena, significant incorrect data were identified, particularly in the records from 2015 to 2019. Issues such as overlapping data spanning multiple years, non-chronological ordering, and discrepancies in decimal precision were detected likely due to inadequate data handling during the adjustment process in programs like Excel. These errors, which persisted for years without detection or correction, highlight a lack of responsibility and verification among both government and private sector employees involved in data management. Given the substantial investment of government resources in the IORS, the continuous presence of incorrect data on official platforms raises concerns that extend beyond the responsible parties to the broader scientific and public communities. To prevent future occurrences, the study emphasized the need for stringent data management practices and ongoing accuracy in data handling, ensuring that the IORS continues to serve as a reliable resource for oceanographic research in Korea and globally.