A maturity model for satellite-derived climate data records

Considerable confusion exists in the scientific community, and in the general public, about how to define a climate data record (CDR) produced from satellite remote sensing data. We have defined a set of metrics for such CDRs in an attempt to: 1) reduce difficulty and confusion in the community, 2) produce an easily understood way of identifying maturity of CDRs, and 3) help identify areas needing improvement. There is a wide diversity of views in the scientific community regarding maturity of CDRs including differences in vocabulary, experience, and background. We define the maturity in three dimensions; scientific maturity, preservation maturity, and societal impact. Within each of these dimensions we then define key attributes and rate each on a scale of 1-5. The basis for this maturity model will be outlined and several examples of applying the model will be given.