HR: 1340h
AN: PA33A-1033    [Abstracts]
TI: Assessing the Scientific Benefits of Earth Observations Through Citation Analysis
AU: Chen, R S
EM: bchen@ciesin.columbia.edu
AF: CIESIN, Columbia University, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY 10964, United States
AU: Weaver, R L
EM: weaver@nsidc.org
AF: NSIDC, CIRES, University of Colorado, Campus Box 449, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
AU: * Schumacher, J
EM: jschumac@ciesin.columbia.edu
AF: CIESIN, Columbia University, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY 10964, United States
AU: Lenhardt, C
EM: clenhardt@ciesin.columbia.edu
AF: CIESIN, Columbia University, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY 10964, United States
AB: One of the direct benefits of Earth observation (EO) data are their use in scientific research, often on a range of topics of broad interest to human welfare and socioeconomic activities. Unfortunately, quantitative assessment of such benefits has been limited, in part due to the diversity of EO data and applications and the lack of standardization of online content. We report here on our exploratory efforts to determine if useful quantitative metrics on the use and impact of EO data can be derived from on-line, full-text searches of selected databases of scientific literature. We compare alternative search strategies for selected EO parameters, examine a sample of identified papers to categorize the different types and levels of use and likely impact on science and society, and assess the pros and cons of alternative citation metrics that could form the basis for assessing usage and impacts over time. The ability to track and aggregate citations to digital content will also be important for other uses such as career advancement and assessment of data quality.
DE: 6304 Benefit-cost analysis
DE: 6314 Demand estimation
DE: 6329 Project evaluation
DE: 6620 Science policy (0485)
DE: 9820 Techniques applicable in three or more fields
SC: Public Affairs [PA]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting