The Ocean Data Information System (ODIS) is a federation of systems that uses common conventions to share and exchange their (meta)data. ODIS is not a new portal or centralised system under the control of a single authority, but a partnership of distributed, independent systems voluntarily sharing (meta)data and information along co-developed and clear conventions in the pursuit of common goals. These conventions are formalised and operationalised in the ODIS Architecture to allow existing and emerging ocean data and information systems, from any stakeholder, to interoperate with one another. This enables and accelerates more effective development and dissemination of digital technology and sharing of ocean data, information, and knowledge for sustainable development.

Access the ODIS architecture documentation, Github Repository: https://github.com/iodepo/odis-arch and training resources.

An ODIS Node is a data source that is networked into and part of the ODIS Federation. ODIS Nodes are operated by ODIS partner organisations, which may have one or many Nodes. ODIS harvests (meta)data from all ODIS nodes, and builds a collective Knowledge Graph to promote global discovery and action. Access the ODIS dashboard for a live view of nodes.

The ODIS Catalogue of Sources is an online browsable and searchable catalogue of existing ocean related web-based sources/systems of data and information as well as products and services. It was one of the precursors to ODIS and also provides information on products and visualization of the landscape (entities and their connections) of ocean data and information sources. The Catalogue is not an ocean database nor metadata repository. The catalogue includes descriptive information such as the URL, title, description, language, point of contact, geographic scope, available technologies for machine-to-machine interaction, keywords, etc. and can be searched on many of these fields.

The overarching goal of the Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS) in the long term, is to provide a sustainable and responsive digital ecosystem where users can discover data, data products, data services, information, information products and services provided by IOC Member States, independent projects, private sector partners, and other partners associated with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

The foundation for ODIS was established by the Ocean InfoHub (OIH) Project in 2020. The IOC Assembly at its 31st Session (2021) formally established ODIS through Decision A-31/3.4.2., ensuring its long term support as a stand-alone project. Subsequently, IODE-XXVII decided to designate ODIS as one of three IODE Programme Components, which further strengthens its long term support. The Ocean Data and Information System as a Programme Component of IODE will be sustainably supported into the future using UNESCO Regular Programme funding, and with technical support by the IODE. Extra budgetary funding will be actively sought to expand and develop the system further, adding functionality as requested by end users, linking partners from new regions around the world, and also to develop OceanData 2030 in support of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.