Hi all,

Hope everybody is doing well!

I wanted to recap some of the advances we have made so far, and what the next few weeks will look like.

What has happened?

We have had varied results reaching out to people to test the extension, see communications and time frame here. We have extended the testing period until September so more users can provide feedback. The timeframe for testing is related to TDWG 2022 where we will present the advances of the Humboldt Extension (abstract here). However, testing and feedback can go beyond that timeline if needed, the key here is to make this extension broadly useful by incorporating as much user experience feedback as possible!

Even though the User Guide is a "work in progress", it is in a good shape to share. The idea is that this document evolves into a proper Humboldt Extension Documentation based on the feedback. It has a good explanation of what we are trying to archive with the Extension as well as some useful tips on how to structure the data (using eventID)s and how to use the GBIF IPT to test the extension. It also includes the link to a Google Form to provide feedback. Please share!

What is next?

It is a good time to start discussing how the Humboldt Extension fits in the expanded GBIF data model. John and Tim had agreed on having a dedicated discussion on this. We are planning an afternoon meet for that on Monday 29 or Tuesday 30 at 4:30 pm EST. John and Tim are interested in identifying a case study that takes advantage of the HE to report inventories, particularly that deal with absences. One ecological use case has already been developed (Ecological Survey Data Exchange Format) but it is extremely simple and doesn't require anything from HE. Peter Brenton has already identified a potential dataset, but everybody is encouraged to bring ideas and datasets to the conversation.

On a related topic, the ALA presented a webinar for the extended data model project that they have been undertaking in collaboration with GBIF. It is well worth watching this session before our discussion. They have also worked on a guide that could be a useful reference for us. Peter, can you share the recording? It seems I did not get it after all.

Lastly, I wanted to let you know that I will be on holiday for the next 2 weeks. The Wednesday 8 am EST meeting time is open for you to meet and continue discussions, but I will not be able to join.

See you in 2 weeks!

All the best!

Yani