Guidelines for the preparation of data for archiving (NFDI4Earth Deliverable D2.4.3)

With these "Guidelines for the Preparation of Data for Archiving" we in the NFDI4Earth Measure 2.4 "Data in Long-Term Storage" offer an overview of relevant aspects to be considered for the preparation of digital ESS data for long-term preservation, thus keeping data FAIR throughout time. The aim of these guidelines is twofold. On the one hand, we want to raise awareness for the challenges and requirements for a successful preservation of digital data in the long term. On the other hand, the guidelines are intended to provide recommendations and guidance for the preparation of ESS data for archiving.The target group of these guidelines are data producers in ESS, which can be individual scientists, research projects, or research institutes. In the guidelines we cover relevant aspects for the preparation of data for archiving, from the beginning of the data life cycle up to the point at which data is being ingested into a digital archive.Included in these guidelines is a "Checklist for the Preparation of Data for Archiving" (Appendix 1 as part of the document), offering a concise overview of the aspects covered in the guidelines. In addition, the "List of Sustainable File Formats for Long-Term Archiving" (Appendix 2 as a separate Excel document), expands on the information provided in chapter 6.