Observation provenance and correction

Purpose and scope

An observation is usable when a reader can identify what was measured, which instrument produced it and how the published representation was derived. This standard applies to Foundation observing programs and to external records incorporated into a Foundation publication.

Required record

1. Source identity. Identify the instrument, observation site or platform and the observation interval. Retain the original source separately from processed representations.
2. Instrument state. Link calibration and configuration information. Record changes in equipment and conditions that may affect interpretation.
3. Processing history. Identify the reduction method and version, transformations and exclusions. Distinguish a revised method from a new observation.
4. Uncertainty and limits. Describe the sources of uncertainty relevant to the result. An unresolved interpretation must not be represented as a measurement.
5. Reference frame. Name the coordinate or comparison reference used. Changing the reference requires an explicit transformation or a stated limit on comparison.

Corrections

A correction receives its own record and stays linked to the source and previous release. It states what changed, why it changed and which uses of the earlier result may be affected. Original records are not silently replaced.

Review responsibility

The responsible research team verifies completeness before release. Data stewards check preservation and access requirements. Scientific review evaluates whether the record supports the interpretation; compliance with this standard does not prove that an interpretation is correct.