Procedure for Suggesting Changes to the SERF 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:
  1. Changes to SERF Field Names, Definitions and Syntax, this procedure includes suggestions for new fields
  2. Changes to SERF Field Specifications
  3. Changes to SERF Field Recommendations and Examples
 
1. Changes to SERF Field Names, Definitions and Syntax

Changes to the SERF field names, definitions and syntax may be suggested by posting the proposed change to the Interop Listserver, a forum which discusses the SERF 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.gsfc.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 committee that 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 SERF Writer's Guide.


2. Changes to SERF Field Specifications

Changes to the SERF 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 SERF Writer's Guide.

3. Changes to SERF Field Recommendations and Examples

Improvements and additions to the SERF field recommendations and examples may be suggested by sending email to gcmduso@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 SERF Writer's Guide.

 

Click image to return to GCMD home page
Visit GCMD website
This document should be cited as:
Service Entry Resource Format (SERF) Writer's Guide, 2008.
Global Change Master Directory. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. [http://gcmd.nasa.gov/User/serfguide/].