Frequently asked Questions
This page lists a number of frequently asked questions and the corresponding answers on the use of the GCP Central Registry.
Please contact the GCP Helpdesk
(email: sp4helpdesk@generationcp.org)
if you have any further questions.
Use these links to jump to specific parts of this document or page down if you prefer to see the whole document.
NEW:
Guidelines for dataset registration and data file upload
from the GCP Annual Research Meeting, ARM 2009.
How to search datasets on the Central Registry
You can search the datasets using the [Keyword] or [Detailed] options provided in the top menu.
The [Keyword] is a 'Google' type search that allows you to type in a single term for which the Central Registry is to be searched.
The search includes fields related to the dataset (title, description, keywords and crop), the provider (institute name, acronym and the provider person name) and the corresponding project (project name, number and GCP subprogram).
The [Detailed] search provides a form where search criteria can be defined for a number of predefined fields.
The [Detailed] search is more versatile than the [Keyword] search: It allows queries using multiple search terms and the user can choose which fields should be displayed.
In addition to these search functions the complete list of datasets can be listed by choosing the [List] option from the menu.
User accounts for the Central Registry
The GCP Central Registry can be searched without a user account.
Most of the resources can also be downloaded without a user account
with the exception of files marked as having restricted access.
These require the user to logon to the Central Registry.
To publish and register a dataset (see below) you also need a user account.
GCP partners can request a username and password from the GCP Helpdesk
(email: sp4helpdesk@generationcp.org).
Please also contact the helpdesk if you have forgotten your password.
How to publish datasets on the Central Registry
To publish a dataset through the Central Registry you must first register the dataset. To register a dataset you need a username and password to log into the Central Registry.
Once you are logged in choose [Add dataset] and the dataset registration form will appear.
Using this form you can provide some descriptive data on the dataset (e.g. title, description, the project it belongs to, source institute, when
the dataset is/will be available and who to contact etc.).
To register a dataset you do not have to wait untill the actual datafiles are available.
Actually most often the registration is done before the actual data are available. It just describes the dataset.
Any time after a dataset has been registered, the actual datafiles can be attached to it. Login, search for the dataset and select [Add files].
The data submitted should preferably be in the GCP template format for that specific type of data.
Can I restrict access to the files I submit
When you upload a datafile, access is by default set as free open public access which will allow everybody to download the file.
You can restrict the access to 'GCP consortium only' or to 'GCP project member only'.
To download such files, users will have to be logged into the Central Registry with a proper username and password.
To set file access restrictions you have to log in, look up the file and display the [File details].
To change restrictions choose the [Edit file description] option.
This will allow you to set access restrictions including marking the file for deletion.
What does it mean when a file is listed as having restricted access
When a file is listed as having [RESTRICTED ACCESS] it means that it can only be downloaded by GCP consortium partners.
Users need to login to the Central Registry first with a valid username and password.
After login these users will be able to select the file and download it.
How to replace an uploaded datafile with another version
If you want to replace an uploaded datafile with another or newer version of that file, you basically have to delete the old version first and then upload the new version. The procedure is as follows:
1) Login to the Central Registry;
2) Search for the existing version of the datafile (either with a keyword search or list all files from the Welcome page);
3) Look at the [Dataset details];
4) Look at the [File details];
5) Choose [Edit file description] and change the "Permissions to download file" to "delete file";
6) Submit the changes;
7) Return to the [Dataset details] and choose [Add file] to upload the new version of the datafile;
8) Add the new file and submit the changes.
How to delete an uploaded datafile
If you want to delete an uploaded datafile, the procedure is as follows:
1) Login to the Central Registry;
2) Search for the existing version of the datafile (either with a keyword search or list all files from the Welcome page);
3) Look at the [Dataset details];
4) Look at the [File details];
5) Choose [Edit file description] and change the "Permissions to download file" to "delete file";
6) Submit the changes;
