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International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network
International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network
International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network
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INTERMAGNET
International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network
ObjectiveStudy of Earth's magnetic field
Participantsapprox. 50 institutes and over 100 magnetic observatories[1]
Duration1987 (1987) –
Websiteintermagnet.org

The International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network (INTERMAGNET) is a world-wide consortium of institutes operating ground-based magnetometers recording the absolute level of the Earth's time-varying magnetic field,[2][3][4] to an agreed set of standards. INTERMAGNET has its roots in discussions held at the Workshop on Magnetic Observatory Instruments in Ottawa, Canada, in August 1986 and at the Nordic Comparison Meeting in Chambon La Foret, France, in May 1987. A pilot scheme between USGS and BGS was described in the sessions of Division V of the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy at the 19th General Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics in Vancouver, Canada, in August 1987. This scheme used the GOES East satellite to successfully transfer geomagnetic data between the two organisations. INTERMAGNET was founded soon after in order to extend the network of observatories communicating in this way. 62 different institutes are now members of the INTERMAGNET consortium, and, since 1991, data have been contributed to INTERMAGNET from approximately 150 observatories. INTERMAGNET is a member of the World Data System of the International Science Council, and it is closely associated with the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy.[5]

INTERMAGNET is organised into an Executive Council, formed of representatives of its founding members (NRCan – Canada, IPGP – France, BGS – United Kingdom, USGS – United States of America), and an Operations Committee, formed of members from many institutes concerned with geomagnetism and with operating magnetic observatories. The Operations Committee handles applications for membership of INTERMAGNET, implements updates to the technical manual.[1] and oversees the maintenance of standards and the annual publication of data. Intermagnet operational standards and other technical information are summarized in the technical manual.

Data

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One-minute resolution data time series are available from all IMOs (INTERMAGNET Magnetic Observatories): these are described as "definitive data", as they are not subject to future reprocessing or re-calibration and therefore represent INTERMAGNET's "gold-standard" data product for scientific and other uses. Definitive data are therefore considered an accurate representation of the vector geomagnetic field and its time dependence at the location of each IMO. Reported or raw, unprocessed data are reported promptly from each observatory (for some stations, within an hour of acquisition). The one-minute resolution data are time-stamped to the start of each minute and are derived from faster sampled data according to digital filters that accord with the technical standards for one-minute data.

INTERMAGNET introduced (as of 2016) a new set of standards for the measuring, recording and reporting of 1-second sampled data by IMOs. INTERMAGNET also introduced (in 2013) a category of "quasi-definitive" 1-minute data to encourage the prompt reporting of observatory data that are demonstrably "close" to "definitive data" (within 5nT). Quasi-definitive data are intended to encourage the uptake of ground-based magnetometer data alongside the high volumes of satellite survey data, particularly for the construction and geophysical interpretation of regional and global magnetic field models.

The IMOs must send reported and adjusted data within 72 hours to geomagnetic information nodes (GINs), located in Paris, France; Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Golden, USA; Kyoto, Japan. In practise, however, many IMOs distribute their data to the GINs much more promptly.

INTERMAGNET data are available in several formats and data are published annually. Prior to 2014, definitive 1-minute data were published on CD or DVD and each IMO received a copy of all data. Until 2016 IMO data were made available on USB memory stick (additional copies available on application to the INTERMAGNET secretary). For the 2016 data release and to mark 25 years of digital data, INTERMAGNET released a final USB stick containing all data published since 1991. For later years definitive data are available in digital form from the website only.

INTERMAGNET Reference Data Set

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The INTERMAGNET Reference Data Set (IRDS) is a collection of definitive digital values of the Earth's magnetic field at the participating observatories. It is released annually and includes all definitive data since 1991, including any corrections and adjustments to data released in previous years.[6] As a concept the IRDS probably most closely resembles the update cycle of the IGRF.

Recent Developments (2014–2019)

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Metadata

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INTERMAGNET has developed a metadata schema as part of its plans for data interoperability.

Web services

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INTERMAGNET data are now retrievable and accessible via API.

Quasi-definitive data

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Quasi-definitive data (QDD) are data that have been corrected using provisional baselines. Produced soon after acquisition, 98% of the differences between QDD and definitive data (X-north, Y-east, Z-down) monthly mean values should be less than 5nT. QDD are intended to support field modelling activities during the modern satellite survey era, providing extra constraints on, for example, models of the field secular variation.

Data licensing

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INTERMAGNET data are subject to conditions of use and are licensed under Creative Commons CC-BY-NC. Commercial use of data may be possible through direct permission of the institute that is responsible for the data requested.

Digital object identifiers

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In 2019 INTERMAGNET published its first DOI, for the 2013 annual definitive data set.[7] INTERMAGNET intended that DOIs would become a standard means of data recognition and citing, for example by minting DOI for each annual IRDS.[citation needed]

Technical manual

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Version 5.0 of the INTERMAGNET technical manual will be available on the website from September 2019.

Software

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A number of software tools are available from INTERMAGNET for the easy checking, plotting and manipulation of data. INTERMAGNET welcomes community development of tools and software and encourages contributions.[citation needed]

Applications of INTERMAGNET data

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INTERMAGNET data are used for a wide variety of applications, including geomagnetic field mapping, monitoring variable space-weather conditions, directional drilling for oil and gas, aeromagnetic surveying, assessment of geomagnetic hazards (including space weather), and fundamental research on the Earth's interior and surrounding space and atmospheric environments. Standard products utilizing INTERMAGNET data include: magnetic indices (e.g. K, Dst), the World Magnetic Model and the International Geomagnetic Reference Field.

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network

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from Grokipedia
The International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network (INTERMAGNET) is a global consortium of approximately 60 institutes operating over 130 ground-based digital magnetic observatories to monitor the Earth's time-varying magnetic field in . It promotes the adoption of modern standards for measuring and recording equipment, facilitates , and supports the production of geomagnetic products for scientific research and operational services. Established following workshops in (August 1986) and Chambon-la-Forêt, France (May 1987), INTERMAGNET launched a pilot scheme at the 19th IUGG General Assembly in Vancouver, Canada (August 1987), initially involving data transfer via the between the United States and British Geological Survey. The network now encompasses observatories worldwide, with data distributed through regional Geomagnetic Information Nodes (GINs) and annual CD-ROM/DVD publications starting in 1991. INTERMAGNET is affiliated with the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) and has been a member of the World Data System (WDS) since 1991, emphasizing non-exclusive participation open to institutions operating INTERMAGNET-standard . It distinguishes itself from other geomagnetic networks through its focus on rapid data acquisition, processing, and dissemination—often within 72 hours of recording—while providing technical assistance for establishing and maintaining observatories, particularly in remote or developing regions. As of 2017, it distributed over 9 million observatory-days of data, supporting applications such as , , , and geomagnetic research. The program maintains dialogue with technology providers to incorporate advancements in and data handling, ensuring high-quality, definitive data for the global scientific community with restrictions on commercial use.

History

Origins and Establishment

The origins of the International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network (INTERMAGNET) can be traced to discussions held during the Workshop on Magnetic Observatory Instruments in , in August 1986, where participants first explored the possibility of exchanging data in to enhance global monitoring capabilities. These initial conversations highlighted the need for standardized, rapid data sharing among observatories to support geomagnetic research and operational forecasting, laying the groundwork for a collaborative international effort. Further refinement of these concepts occurred at the Nordic Comparison Meeting in Chambon-la-Forêt, France, in May 1987, where representatives from key institutions, including the (BGS) and the (USGS), discussed the technical and logistical aspects of establishing a coordinated network for real-time magnetic data exchange. At this meeting, the group agreed on a pilot scheme to test data transmission protocols, focusing on between to ensure high-quality, timely data availability. The pilot scheme was formally presented at the sessions of Division V of the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) during the 19th General Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) in Vancouver, Canada, in August 1987, involving initial data transfer via the between and facilities. This presentation proposed extending the pilot to a worldwide scale, emphasizing standardized formats and rapid communication to monitor Earth's time-varying magnetic field effectively. Following these events, INTERMAGNET was formally founded shortly after 1987 as a voluntary consortium of geophysical institutes dedicated to global cooperation in operations and data exchange. The network's establishment was closely affiliated with IAGA to promote standardized practices in geomagnetism.

Key Milestones

Following the establishment of INTERMAGNET through workshops in 1986 and 1987, the network experienced significant growth in the , marked by the launch of annual data contributions from participating observatories starting in , when definitive one-minute geomagnetic data began to be published annually on from all involved sites. By the , this had expanded to include data from approximately 80 observatories worldwide, contributing to key geomagnetic models and indices such as the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) and Kp. This initiative facilitated the rapid exchange of high-quality, standardized data, supporting global research on Earth's magnetic field variations. INTERMAGNET's institutional affiliations further solidified its role in international geomagnetism during this period, with support from the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) and ongoing collaboration through IAGA bodies focused on observatory practices and data applications. Additionally, INTERMAGNET became a member of the World Data System in 1991, enabling it to maintain infrastructure for geomagnetic data collection and dissemination as part of a broader global data preservation effort. These affiliations enhanced the network's credibility and access to resources, promoting standardized data exchange among member institutes. A major advancement in digital data dissemination occurred with the introduction of modern formats and tools in the and , including the establishment of Geomagnetic Information Nodes (GINs) in for via the and , transitioning from to across . To commemorate 25 years of operations, INTERMAGNET released a comprehensive data set in via , containing all definitive one-minute data published from 1991 to 2015, which served as the final physical medium before shifting fully to . This release underscored the network's evolution toward efficient, accessible digital formats while archiving decades of geomagnetic observations. Early network expansion in the 1990s and 2000s faced challenges, particularly in standardizing equipment and achieving uniform global coverage, as many observatories transitioned to with sampling rates of at least every 10 seconds to meet INTERMAGNET specifications. Efforts to recruit sites in underrepresented regions, such as the and the , encountered difficulties due to infrastructure limitations and a bias toward developed northern areas, requiring ongoing support from the Operations Committee to improve data quality and participation. Despite these hurdles, the focus on rigorous standards helped grow the network to over 100 observatories by the 2010s, ensuring reliable .

Organization and Structure

Governance

INTERMAGNET's governance is structured around a two-tier management system comprising the Executive Council and the Operations Committee, which together oversee policy, operations, and strategic direction. The Executive Council serves as the primary decision-making body, responsible for establishing overall policy, approving new memberships, and providing strategic guidance to ensure the network's global coordination and sustainability. It handles matters related to international participation, , and communication with national and international scientific and governmental agencies. Additionally, the Council defines the organizational rules and structure, fostering collaboration among member institutes while promoting standardized practices for geomagnetic monitoring. The Operations Committee advises the Executive Council on technical aspects, including the oversight of instrumentation standards, , and the organization of annual meetings to review network performance. It plays a key role in evaluating and implementing updates to technical guidelines, ensuring that observatories adhere to . The Committee also manages the assessment of and definitive data submissions from participants, recommending actions to maintain network integrity. Membership policies are governed by strict criteria to uphold INTERMAGNET's standards, requiring applicant institutions to operate observatories capable of producing one-minute resolution data that meets specified technical benchmarks for accuracy and timeliness. Applications are submitted to the Operations Committee, accompanied by sample data and a formal request, with approval contingent on demonstrating compliance with these standards and commitment to ongoing data exchange. This process ensures that only qualified entities join, supporting the network's focus on rapid, reliable geomagnetic observations. INTERMAGNET maintains a close association with the International Association of Geomagnetism and (IAGA), particularly through Division V, which provides scientific oversight and facilitates collaborative efforts in geomagnetic research and data management. All INTERMAGNET observatories are affiliated with IAGA, enabling integration with broader international scientific initiatives while leveraging IAGA's expertise for advancing network standards and applications. This partnership, initiated with IAGA's support during INTERMAGNET's formation, continues to enhance scientific collaboration and resource sharing.

Membership and Observatories

INTERMAGNET comprises approximately 50 member institutes from around the world, which collectively operate and contribute data from over 100 active . These institutes, spanning more than 40 countries, ensure comprehensive global coverage of geomagnetic monitoring, with observatories strategically located to capture variations in the Earth's magnetic field across diverse geographic and . The network's observatories are distributed worldwide, providing examples of key sites that highlight its international scope. In , notable observatories include Belsk (BEL) in and Abisko (ABK) in , which contribute long-term data for studying auroral and mid-latitude phenomena. contributions feature sites like those operated by the in collaboration with regional partners, while in , in serves as a critical equatorial observatory for monitoring ionospheric currents. Antarctic observatories, such as the one at on Faraday Islands, enable unique polar measurements essential for understanding high-latitude magnetic variations. The process for establishing new observatories involves a formal application submitted to the INTERMAGNET Operations Committee, which reviews proposals to ensure alignment with network standards and global coverage needs. INTERMAGNET provides technical advice, support for site selection, , and data transmission setup, particularly encouraging development in underrepresented regions like developing countries to enhance the network's equity and completeness. This assistance includes coordination with member institutes to optimize resources and avoid duplication. Since the operation of its pilot scheme starting in 1989, INTERMAGNET has experienced significant growth, evolving from a small group of initial participating observatories to its current scale of over 100 sites, with organized definitive data produced annually starting in 1991. This expansion has been driven by international collaboration and the addition of new members, increasing from a handful of pilot stations to a robust global consortium that now supports near-real-time data exchange from diverse locations.

Operations and Standards

Data Acquisition and Processing

INTERMAGNET observatories employ to record the absolute levels of the Earth's time-varying magnetic field, typically using that sample data at 1-second intervals (), with a resolution of 0.1 nT, alongside for calibration purposes. These instruments capture high-frequency variations in the geomagnetic field, enabling the detection of both and rapid perturbations associated with . The network emphasizes real-time reporting of raw data, with observatories transmitting preliminary measurements to designated Geomagnetic Information Nodes (GINs) located in , , , Golden (United States), and Kyoto (Japan), often achieving delivery within one hour of acquisition and sometimes within minutes, utilizing methods such as or . These GINs serve as centralized hubs for aggregating and redistributing data globally, ensuring near-real-time availability to the scientific community while adhering to standardized formats approved by the INTERMAGNET Executive Council. Initial processing at the involves applying to the and performing to produce , which helps mitigate and such as spikes or abrupt deviations from the true signal. This filtering step, often automated, includes techniques like on differences to identify and remove artificial disturbances while preserving natural , followed by basic quality checks such as visual inspection of magnetograms and inter-comparisons with nearby instruments. These preliminary processed datasets are then prepared for transmission, with observatories maintaining to document any adjustments made to copies of the original data. INTERMAGNET requires that preliminary one-minute data be submitted to a GIN within 72 hours of acquisition to support timely and , though the majority of meet this deadline far more promptly, enhancing the network's responsiveness to dynamic geophysical phenomena. This rapid turnaround is facilitated by semi-automated systems at many sites, which streamline the workflow from data collection to initial validation without compromising the integrity needed for subsequent definitive processing.

Technical Standards

INTERMAGNET has adopted modern standards for measuring and recording equipment to ensure high-quality, interoperable geomagnetic data across its network. For , are recommended, with specifications including a resolution of 0.1 for one-minute data and 1 pT for one-second data, a dynamic range of ±4000 nT (adjusted for ), thermal stability of 0.25 nT/°C, and of 5 nT/year. These instruments must operate within a from DC to 0.1 for one-minute observatories and up to 0.2 Hz for one-second observatories, with not exceeding 100 pT from DC to 8 and 10 pT/ at 0.1 Hz for the latter. For absolute scalar measurements, INTERMAGNET recommends or , which provide absolute accuracy of 1 nT and resolution of 0.1 nT for one-minute data or 0.01 nT for one-second data. These feature low and are sampled at a minimum rate of 0.033 (every 30 seconds), serving as references for quality control of . They are paired with a for comprehensive absolute observations, with the standardized at 2.675153362 × 10⁸ T⁻¹ s⁻¹ since 2009. In 2016, INTERMAGNET introduced standards for 1-second sampled data to support higher-resolution monitoring of , particularly for . These standards require a minimum sampling rate of for and 0.033 Hz for , with of ±0.01 s and maximum of ±0.01 s. Instruments must include , maintain noise levels below 100 pT over 10 minutes from to 8 , and ensure offset errors not exceeding ±2.5 nT per component. This framework, building on earlier adoption in 2012, demands stringent and absolute level control to capture rapid geomagnetic processes. INTERMAGNET has developed a to enhance , embedded within formats like ImagCDF for one-second data submissions. This schema includes global attributes such as observatory code (IagaCode), elements recorded (e.g., HDZG), publication level (1-4), coordinates in , institution details, standard conformance (e.g., INTERMAGNET_1-Second), and , ensuring and . Variable attributes cover units (nT), fill values (99999.0), valid ranges (±40000 nT), and dependencies on , while formats like IAFV2.11 and IBFV2.00 add details on , , and baseline adjustments. supplement this with of location, equipment, and data quality. Version 5.0 of the INTERMAGNET Technical Reference Manual, covering all protocols for equipment, data formats, and standards, was released on September 30, 2019, following editorial reviews during the July 2019 meeting in . This version includes a Digital Object Identifier for formal citation and is available in and PDF formats to guide observatory operations and data submission.

Data Products and Distribution

Definitive and Quasi-Definitive Data

INTERMAGNET's definitive data represent the gold standard for geomagnetic observations, consisting of processed from its that undergo no further reprocessing once finalized. These data are produced with high accuracy, ensuring that differences between quasi-definitive and definitive values for the are within 5 nT for 98% of monthly means. This precision supports reliable long-term monitoring of the Earth's for scientific analysis. In 2013, INTERMAGNET introduced quasi-definitive data as an interim product to enable , generated shortly after using provisional baselines and calibration adjustments. These data, available at one-minute or one-second resolutions, aim to closely approximate definitive values, with 98% of differences remaining below 5 nT compared to the final definitive dataset. Quasi-definitive data must be submitted within three months of recording to facilitate timely and activity indices. INTERMAGNET data, including both definitive and quasi-definitive products, are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0), allowing non-commercial use with proper attribution. For commercial applications, users must seek permission directly from the contributing institutes, as some may impose additional restrictions. Prior to 2015, definitive data were distributed annually via physical media such as CDs, , or USB drives, but INTERMAGNET transitioned to fully digital access through its website to improve efficiency and global availability. This shift enables users to download datasets directly from the INTERMAGNET data portal hosted by the .

Reference Data Sets

The INTERMAGNET Reference Data Set (IRDS) serves as an annual compilation of definitive digital magnetic field values from all participating observatories, forming a comprehensive archive for long-term geomagnetic analysis since its inception in 1991. This dataset includes one-minute values of the Earth's magnetic field components (such as X, Y, Z, H, D, F), along with corrections applied to data from previous years to ensure accuracy and consistency. The IRDS follows an annual release cycle, with each update incorporating the latest year's definitive data and any necessary revisions to prior records, akin to the periodic updates of the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) for maintaining a reliable reference over time. Observatories submit their processed data by specified deadlines, typically several months into the following year, after which the set is compiled, quality-checked, and published online. DOIs were first assigned starting with the 2013 dataset in 2017, with the first IRDS (2015) receiving DOI 10.5880/INTERMAGNET.1991.2015 in 2020, marking a shift toward , with subsequent annual releases receiving their own DOIs to facilitate citation and long-term retrieval through repositories like . For instance, the 2017 IRDS is accessible via DOI 10.5880/INTERMAGNET.1991.2017, encompassing data from 1991 onward in a single archive. Since 2015, every annual IRDS release has been assigned its own DOI to ensure ongoing standardization and ease of access for researchers. In addition to the core magnetic field measurements, the IRDS incorporates magnetic indices such as the K-index, which quantifies local geomagnetic activity based on three-hourly ranges in the horizontal field component, along with hourly and daily means for enhanced analytical utility. These elements, derived from the definitive data, support detailed studies of geomagnetic variations without relying on quasi-definitive inputs.

Applications and Impact

Scientific Research

INTERMAGNET's high-quality, standardized geomagnetic data serve as a foundational resource for , enabling researchers to construct detailed global representations of the Earth's magnetic field variations. These datasets, including definitive and quasi-definitive time series, contribute essential ground-based observations to the development of international models such as the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF), which relies on INTERMAGNET records for accurate depiction of and spatial patterns. By providing long-term, homogeneous data from over 100 worldwide, INTERMAGNET facilitates the refinement of these models, supporting applications in , , and . In studies of , INTERMAGNET data illuminate processes within the , including that sustain the geodynamo and drive in the magnetic field. Researchers analyze these variations to infer core flows and angular momentum exchanges, revealing abrupt changes known as "jerks" that link to broader . Such data also support investigations into core-mantle interactions, where long-term observatory records help model the influence of on and field generation. Additionally, INTERMAGNET observations are crucial for examining , capturing magnetic storms induced by that perturb the and , thereby aiding in the understanding of ring current dynamics and geomagnetic disturbances. INTERMAGNET's one-second and one-minute resolution data enable detailed studies of magnetic pulsations, which are ultra-low-frequency fluctuations in the geomagnetic field often linked to . For instance, algorithms developed for equatorial INTERMAGNET observatories identify Pc3 pulsations, providing insights into wave propagation and . These pulsations, measured across the network, also reveal signatures of at the , where generate waves that couple energy to the , as evidenced in analyses of ULF wave polarization and high-latitude disturbances. Such research highlights the network's role in diagnosing and . The promotion of data sharing through INTERMAGNET fosters global scientific collaboration, with datasets made publicly available via standardized formats since 1991 and assigned digital object identifiers since 2013, enabling widespread use in and . This , supported by rigorous quality control and tools like MagPy, encourages international teams to integrate INTERMAGNET records with satellite data for comprehensive analyses of geomagnetic phenomena. By facilitating timely dissemination and , the network enhances the reliability and impact of research outputs across geomagnetism and related fields.

Operational Uses

INTERMAGNET's near-real-time geomagnetic data supports operational by providing inputs for key indices such as the planetary K index (Kp), , and auroral electrojet indices (AE), which are used by organizations like the to track solar-induced disturbances and forecast impacts on infrastructure. These data enable the derivation of real-time maps of geomagnetic activity, essential for assessing that could induce currents in during magnetic storms, thereby aiding utilities in mitigating and equipment damage. In the , INTERMAGNET data facilitates by serving as a reference for in , allowing precise and , particularly in prone to geomagnetic disturbances like the or . For , the network's standardized measurements contribute to mapping , supporting resource exploration and by integrating ground-based data with survey results. Additionally, INTERMAGNET supports navigation systems through its role in updating the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF), which provides directional references for maritime, aviation, and military applications. INTERMAGNET data integrates with satellite observations, such as those from the 's Swarm mission, to model the geomagnetic field, including , , , and components, supporting updates to models like the IGRF. This quasi-definitive data, available within months and noted for its high accuracy, ensures reliable fusion with satellite inputs for timely geomagnetic modeling. The network contributes definitive and quasi-definitive observatory measurements to the , a collaborative effort between the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Information and the , which serves as the standard for in by the and U.K. Ministry of Defence, as well as civilian uses in and . By supplying from global observatories, INTERMAGNET helps constrain in the geomagnetic field, enabling accurate WMM updates every five years for enhanced operational reliability.

Recent Developments and Future Directions

Advancements Since 2014

Since 2014, INTERMAGNET has advanced its data access capabilities through the development of and designed for efficient retrieval of geomagnetic data. The INTERMAGNET web service, introduced to facilitate programmatic access, allows users to query and download provisional and definitive data directly from a centralized store hosted by the , enabling seamless integration into research workflows and operational systems. This development builds on earlier data distribution efforts, providing a standardized interface that supports and historical data requests across the network's . In parallel, INTERMAGNET has introduced and promoted open-source software tools to enhance data processing, checking, plotting, and manipulation, while encouraging community contributions to foster collaborative improvements. Tools such as MagPy, which includes routines for data format conversion, visualization, and geomagnetic-specific analyses like baseline determination, have been made available to support observatory operators and researchers in maintaining data quality. These resources, hosted on the INTERMAGNET website, promote standardization and accessibility, with an emphasis on user feedback and contributions to evolve the toolkit for broader adoption within the geomagnetic community. Metadata management saw significant enhancements with the development of a , culminating in the assignment of Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) to INTERMAGNET datasets starting from the 2013 compilation, with ongoing publications including those in 2019. This schema improvement, supported in part by the European Plate Observing System, enables better and citation of geomagnetic data products, with DOIs assigned to annual definitive datasets from 2013 onward to ensure and proper attribution. The DOI landing pages provide metadata harvested by , increasing the visibility of INTERMAGNET's contributions to open data initiatives. A key procedural advancement was the release of Version 5.0 of the INTERMAGNET Technical Reference Manual in 2020, updating guidelines for data acquisition, processing, and dissemination to reflect technological progress and community feedback. This version, prepared by the Operations Committee, incorporates revisions from online editorial meetings and addresses evolving standards for high-resolution data handling, ensuring alignment with modern observatory practices. The manual's release marked a milestone in documenting post-2014 enhancements, providing a comprehensive reference for network participants.

Future Plans

INTERMAGNET plans to evolve its DOI publication process for the INTERMAGNET Reference Data Set (IRDS) by implementing an incremental approach, allowing individual observatory datasets to receive DOIs as soon as they pass review, rather than delaying until all data are finalized annually. This shift aims to accelerate access to high-quality definitive data while preserving rigorous standards, with each annual IRDS release continuing to encompass the full historical dataset from 1991 onward, including corrections, and managed through persistent DOI landing pages hosted by GFZ Data Services. Further digital object management will involve versioning conventions to track updates without altering prior publications, ensuring long-term citation and reproducibility. To foster innovation, INTERMAGNET encourages community-driven software development by maintaining an open repository for geomagnetic data tools in languages like Python and Java, inviting contributions from the global scientific community to enhance data processing and analysis capabilities. This includes ongoing efforts to develop and refine tools such as MagPy for and baseline determination, with public availability promoted through the INTERMAGNET website. Volunteers from the Data Checking Task Team further support open contributions by collaborating on and guidelines. Potential expansions of the observatory network include providing technical assistance and standards guidance to establish new sites in underrepresented regions, such as , , and South and Central America. INTERMAGNET's principles emphasize supporting digital observatories in developing countries to enhance local scientific capacity and global coverage, particularly in remote areas lacking local resources. Quasi-definitive data are used to support the European Space Agency's Swarm constellation for geomagnetic studies, thereby improving real-time monitoring of the Earth's magnetic field variations. These efforts align with broader applications.

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