By derived data we mean data collections that arise from analysis of more primitive data collections. Many different types of derived data are important is science and technology. A description will be given of the general features of derived data, as well as their importance in modern data systems. Finally, I will discuss how derived data opens new opportunities for science based on high quality, comprehensive databases. Abstract Instrumentation is the heart of the modern analytical laboratory, and today it allows analysts to tackle complex analysis undreamed of two decades ago.
Databases are a key component in instrumentation.
Databases allow accumulation of measurement results, providing a mechanism for remembering the responses of large numbers of substances to specific methods. They facilitate interpretation of results to identify complicated unknown substances. However, databases are only as useful as their quality. In this talk we will discuss general characteristics of high quality analytical databases. In addition, we will review recent work that produced the fully evaluated NIST Mass Spectral Database.