National Geothermal Data System (NGDS) Geothermal Data Domain: Assessment of Geothermal Community Data Needs

Abstract

To satisfy the critical need for geothermal data to ad-vance geothermal energy as a viable renewable ener-gy contender, the U.S. Department of Energy is in-vesting in the development of the National Geother-mal Data System (NGDS). This paper outlines efforts among geothermal data providers nationwide to sup-ply cutting edge geo-informatics. NGDS geothermal data acquisition, delivery, and methodology are dis-cussed. In particular, this paper addresses the various types of data required to effectively assess geother-mal energy potential and why simple links to existing data are insufficient. To create a platform for ready access by all geothermal stakeholders, the NGDS in-cludes a work plan that addresses data assets and re-sources of interest to users, a survey of data provid-ers, data content models, and how data will be ex-changed and promoted, as well as lessons learned within the geothermal community.