Procedure for Suggesting Changes to the DIF Writer's Guide
Note that each field description in this document consists of the
following sections:
- Field Name
- Definition
- Syntax
- Specifications
- Recommendations
- Examples
Different procedures exist to change the different sections of the field
descriptions. There are three procedures:
- Changes to DIF Field Names, Definitions and Syntax
, this
procedure includes suggestions for new fields
- Changes to DIF Field Specifications
- Changes to DIF Field Recommendations and Examples
1. Changes to DIF Field Names, Definitions and Syntax
Changes to the DIF field names, definitions and syntax may be suggested by
posting the proposed change to the Interop Listserver, a forum which
discusses the DIF and related metadata issues. Suggestions for new fields
are also sent to the Interop Listserver. For more information about the
Interop Listserver, see
http://gcmd.nasa.gov/forum. The proposed change should be sent by
email to interop@gcmd.gsfc.nasa.gov, describing
- the field concerned
- the proposed change
- reasons for the change
The listserver participants then discuss the suggestion via the forum.
Based on the discussion, the suggestor may revise the proposal. The
revised proposal is then sent to the listserver, and discussion continues.
When a final proposal is achieved, the proposal is sent to a voting
commitee which votes on the proposed change. If the vote is favorable,
the change is implemented.
Changes will appear in the next release of the MD software and DIF
Writer's Guide.
2. Changes to DIF Field Specifications
Changes to the DIF field specifications may be suggested by sending email
to gcmduso@gcmd.gsfc.nasa.gov,
describing
- the field concerned
- the suggested change to the specification
- reasons for the change
- your email address, so a reply may be sent
GCMD staff then reviews the suggestion and decides what action to take. A
reply is sent to the individual making the suggestion, stating what action
will be taken. If discussion of the change is necessary, the individual
may be asked to post the suggestion to the Interop Listserver, as outlined
above.
Changes will appear in the next release of the MD software and
DIF Writer's Guide.
3. Changes to DIF Field Recommendations and Examples
Improvements and additions to the DIF field recommendations and examples
may be suggested by sending email to vogel@gcmd.gsfc.nasa.gov with
the following information
- the field concerned
- the suggested change
- your email address, so a reply may be sent
GCMD staff then reviews the suggestion and decides what action to take. A
reply is sent to the individual making the suggestion, stating what action
will be taken.
Changes will appear in the next version of the DIF Writer's Guide.
Go to the Previous Procedure.
Go to the DIF Guide Table of Contents.