Data Package Design for Special Cases

In this document we consider special cases for archiving research data based on their data type, format, or acquisition method, and recommend practices that ensure optimal re-usability of the data. Most recommendations here are aimed at improving documentation of data acquisition and processing to avoid misinterpretation. This includes the recommendation to publish raw data and/or processing code along with the data products. Others are aimed at usability in terms of data size/volume or connecting related data. Some recommendations involve including a metadata document formatted according to a new and emerging standard (e.g., codeMeta) or a data inventory table. Data inventory tables can cross the line between metadata and data and are intended to improve discoverability and navigation of archived data.