Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I create an account to access the data hub?

Direct registrations are not possible for the BIOcean5D/TREC data hub at the moment. Please do not contact us directly to get a data hub account. Instead, the PI which is involved in BIOcean5D/TREC should request an account for you by emailing b5d-data@embl.de (or trec-data@embl.de in case of TREC hub) with the details required (your name, email address, partner organization).

Q: How to use the DataHub? Is there a user guide available?

A comprehensive user guide on using DataHub and its features is currently being developed. Some parts are ready to be studied, and an early access version of the guide is available here. Please note it’s a work in progress and far from finished. However, we encourage you to give us feedback (create an issue, write us an email, write a comment directly in the document), for example, to guide us in adding missing parts or to let us know if you think some parts need to be explained in more detail.

Q: What is SDL?

Sampling Design Label (SDL) is a unique identifier used to track all samples and data originating from the same sampling location.

Q: There are inconsistencies in the metadata and it’s not complete - why?

The metadata is currently undergoing curation. While we provide early access for your convenience, please note that the metadata will evolve over time, improving in both quality and accuracy. Additional attributes will also be added as curation progresses. In the future, we plan to introduce an interactive suggestion feature to involve the community in the curation process. For now, you can contribute by reporting issues.

Q: Can I request changes and new features in DataHub?

Absolutely! We encourage feedback and feature requests, as DataHub is developed with the community in mind. Your input helps us improve and better tailor the platform to meet community needs. Visit help page to share your ideas or requests.

Q: Can I upload a work-in-progress dataset and finish it later?

Yes, you can. Work-in-progress datasets are saved in the Data upload section under the pre-submission stage. These drafts are linked to your account, allowing you to modify and complete them before final submission.

Q: Since my last visit, the (meta)data changed - why?

DataHub is an evolving platform designed to continuously improve and adapt. Changes in metadata may occur due to ongoing curation, the addition of new data, or updates introduced by other users or developers. Our goal is to enhance the user experience and ensure the platform remains dynamic and community-driven.

Q: I am unable to filter metadata in a specific way I would need - what can I do?

If the current filtering options do not meet your needs, you can export the metadata and apply custom filters using your preferred spreadsheet editor. Additionally, if you believe a new filtering feature would benefit the community, we encourage you to submit a feature request. Let’s collaborate to improve the platform!