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Part III. Appendix 4: User Outreach9. Data cataloging: Knowing what data sets exist, in what format (raw data, near-real-timedata), and their appropriateness for a specific use is difficult because most oceanographic datasets are not cataloged. Being aware of data resources such as those in the Global Change MasterDirectory (http://gcmd.nasa.gov).10. Metadata: The use of metadata, or rather the lack of it, impacts operational use, processing,analysis, archiving, QC, visualization, access/integration/reuse, and subsetting of data, and theautomation of all the above. Better metadata definitions will improve all of these functions, inmany cases by orders of magnitude.11. Data Discovery: Not all climate data sets are registered with the Global Change Master Directory(GCMD). Data providers do not always realize the benefits of taking a few moments todo this. More generally, they don’t always see beyond the needs of their immediate user community.12. GIS Access: Typical GIS are not well suited to climate studies. They do not handle time orelevation properly and don’t generally give direct access to the numerical values. The major GISvendors need to be made aware of these needs.236