Linking databases and ‘data lakes’

Alberto Troccoli

November 27, 2019 at 1:57 pm #10532

Please refer to Item 3 and the latter remarks in Item 4 of the Data SIG meeting (18/11/2019) minutes for context and the discussion prior to the opening of this forum topic.

There is both desire and interest for there to be a more open and shared approach to data. A number of approaches were discussed in November’s Data SIG meeting, particularly the linking of databases and the concept of ‘data lakes’.

The thoughts of WEMC members on these two approaches are very welcome. Please share them below. If you wish, you may choose to respond to one or more of these question prompts:

1. Are you taking steps to link databases? What are your experiences/successes/challenges?
2. To what extent do you feel that the European Commission’s ‘FAIR data’ approach is a help or a hindrance to the pursuit of ‘open’ data?
3. Are you aware of existing linked/collaborative datasets?
4. Should we be pushing for greater standardisation of data, or embracing the idea of ‘data lakes‘ which do away (or minimise) the need for standardisation?