Summary
EDIOS is a internet-based searchable directory of the ocean-observing, measuring, and monitoring systems operating in Europe and is an initiative of EuroGOOS (European Global Ocean-observing System). The directory includes metadata, i.e. information on: location, measured parameters , frequency, data availability, technical information on instruments, responsible institutes and links to data-holding agencies. Regular updating of the EDIOS directory ensures up-to-date information and inclusion of most European ocean-observing systems operating on a continuous level.The directory constitutes a prerequisite for the full implementation of EuroGOOS by allowing an analysis of the continuously available data for operational models in Europe, and hence the ability to optimise the deployment of instruments, and the design of sampling strategy. Classification, based on the accessibility of the data, of the ocean-observing systems included in EDIOS will set European standards for ocean observations and help define the European ocean-observing system.

The EDIOS Classification System categorises entries in the EDIOS metadatabase so that people working in and using the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) can identify those records describing stations/data immediately accessible to GOOS with open access and minimal restrictions; those stations/data accessible to certain organisations and GOOS Regional Alliances; and those stations/data only designed for single agency or local access and use.

The EDIOS directory service is the result of an initiative of the European Global Ocean Observing System (EuroGOOS). The directory was developed during the EDIOS project, co-funded by the European Commission Research Directorate General.

Expected impacts
EDIOS enables rapid combination and co-ordination of national ocean-observing systems to improve monitoring and modelling around European seas, and to develop and refine observations. It also allows assessment of the performance of the ocean-observing and forecasting systems, and set European standards for ocean-observing technology by developing a classification scheme for operational ocean-observing systems. EDIOS will encourage trans-national wide-ranging scientific use of the data generated by the ocean-observing systems included in the directory, benefiting efforts to predict, assess, and formulate response options to global change.

Sustained management of the EDIOS directory service and it’s web-interface are guaranteed by EuroGOOS, the British Oceanographic Data Centre and MARIS.