Why Can't I Find My Data the Way I Find My Dinner?

A primary strength of this IPY derives from its scientific breadth. One can find almost every discipline represented in the IPY projects, and funding has come from geophysical, biological and social agencies and programs. Addressing the urgent multifaceted problem of change of polar regions requires this interdisciplinary approach. IPY also has an advanced open access data policy, clearly stated and agreed to by IPY participants. We have an ambitious vision for display and access of IPY data. We have component systems, within nations, disciplines, or existing data service centers, that provide access examples for portions of the IPY data set. We have unprecedented bandwidth for real-time data transmission and we work at the forefront of geobrowser technologies. In practice, we face enormous challenges to achieve an integrated IPY data and information system that can enhance access, encourage exploration and collaboration, and speed the incorporation of observations into research and predictive models. These challenges include financial, social and technical barriers; this talk focuses on the latter.