Consolidating club data which has been prepared on different systems. Transferring data to a newer and better system. Consolidating selected data to a national or state database. Archiving data in a format which will survive current software products. Optimising the usefulness of software which produces formatted output by allowing it to use input from a wide range of other systems.
Examples are the production of web pages, published cave lists, and lists for required fieldwork.
Objectives Produce a data format which is hardware and software independent for the transfer and the archiving of speleological data, including data for cave surveying and mapping, and utilising existing international transfer standards such as XML and related standards if possible. Co-operate with relevant other groups where necessary in arriving at the format. Achieve international agreement for the format. Produce explanatory and training material for use of the format. List, Facilitate and organize production of software to make use of the format.