International Council for Science : Committee on Data for Science and Technology
codata

Database of Data Resources in Africa


		Albany Museum. Makana Biodiversity Centre
	URL of organisation	http://www.am.org.za/
	Postal address	Somerset Street
		Grahamstown
		6139
	Type of organisation	Science councils and National facilities
	Description oforganisation	The Albany Museum, which now falls under the Makana Municipality, has long offered expertise and housed research collections in the Natural Sciences. Such as Botany, Entomology, Freshwater Invertebrates, Freshwater Ichthyology, Ornithology, Palaeontology and Earth Sciences.
	Broad subject fields	Biological sciences. General (1200) - Earth and marine sciences. General (1400)
	Description of dataset(s) or database	The Natural Sciences Museum houses permanent collections of terrestrial insects, freshwater invertebrates, freshwater fishes, a plant herbarium, birds, palaeontological fossils, rocks and minerals, ethnographic and archaeological material. The History Museum houses an important collection of historical artefacts as well as a genealogical archive relating to the 1820 British Settlers. The Fine Art collection is also housed in the History Museum.
	Accessible via the Internet	http://www.am.org.za/collections
	Keywords	Biodiversity information; Conservation; Botany; Entomology; Ornithology; Freshwater invertebrates; Freshwater ichthyology
	E-mail	Click here to send an e-mail message
	Telephone number	+27 46 622-2312 or +27 46 622-2312
	Fax number	+27 46 622-2398 or +27 46 622-2398

		DITSONG Museums of South Africa
	URL of organisation	http://www.ditsong.org.za/index.htm
	Postal address	PO Box 4197
		Pretoria
		0001
	Type of organisation	Science councils and National facilities
	Description oforganisation	The DITSONG Museums of South Africa is an amalgamation of eight national museums, seven in Tshwane and one in Johannesburg. The target audience for these museums are children, youth, adults, students, tourists (foreign and local), researchers and the public in general.
	Broad subject fields	Arts. General (3400)
	Description of dataset(s) or database	Collections
	Accessible via the Internet	http://www.ditsong.org.za
	Keywords	National museum natural history; National museum cultural history; National museum military history; Pioneer museum; Sammy Marks museum; Tswaing Meteorite Crater; Kruger museum; Willem Prinsloo agricultural museum; Ditsong museums South Africa
	E-mail	Click here to send an e-mail message
	Telephone number	+27 12 000-0010 or +27 12 000-0010
	Fax number	+27 12 323-6592 or +27 12 323-6592

		National Research Foundation. South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
	Abbreviations	SAIAB
	URL of organisation	http://www.saiab.ac.za/
	Postal address	Private Bag x1015
		Grahamstown
		6140
	Type of organisation	Science councils and National facilities
	Description oforganisation	The institute's Collection of Fishes is a national asset that is held in perpetuity for the benefit of science and future generations. It includes more that 60 000 accessioned lots and over 450 000 marine, estuarine and freshwater specimens taken mainly from the surrounding oceans and rivers of southern Africa. It focusses on serving the nation through generating, disseminating and applying knowledge to understanding and solving problems on the conservation and wise use of African fishes and aquatic biodiversity.
	Broad subject fields	Earth and marine sciences. Marine biology (1409) - Earth and marine sciences. General (1400)
	Name of database/dataset	SAIAB Information portal
	Description of dataset(s) or database	Biodiversity data associated with specimen collection of aquatic biodiversity (fish, amphibians, crabs)
	Accessible via the Internet	http://www.saiab.ac.za/saiab-collection-facility.htm
	Keywords	National fish collections; Aquatic diodiversity; Specimen collection; Biodiversity information
	Telephone number	+27 46 603-5841 or +27 46 603-5841
	Fax number	+27 46 622-2403 or +27 46 622-2403

		Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Satellite Applications Centre
	Abbreviations	CSIR; SAC
	URL of organisation	http://www.csir.co.za
	Postal address	PO Box 395; CSIR/SAC Building 43; Scientia
		Pretoria
		0001
	Type of organisation	Science councils and National facilities
	Description oforganisation	The objectives of the CSIR are, through directed and particularly multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, to foster, in the national interest and in fields which in its opinion should receive preference, industrial and scientific development, either by itself or in co-operation with principals from the private or public sectors, and thereby to contribute to the improvemnet of the quality of life of the people of the Republic, and to perform any other functions that may be assigned to the CSIR by or under this act.
	Broad subject fields	Earth and marine sciences. General (1400)
	Name of database/dataset	SAC catalogue
	Description of dataset(s) or database	Remote sensing data from Landsat, SPOT, ERS, EROS, NOAA, MODIS sensor on NASA EOS satellites, Quickbird, Ikonos and SPOT 5 distributers.
	Accessible via the Internet	http://ntww1.csir.co.za/plsql/ptl0002/PTL0002 PGE005 DIVISIONS?DIVISION NO=7209624
	Keywords	Remote sensing; Geospatial information; Earth observation; Agriculture; Land use; Environmental change detection; Urban development; Marine applications; Drought monitoring; Disaster information
	E-mail	Click here to send an e-mail message
	Telephone number	+27 12 334 5000 or +27 12 334 5000
	Fax number	+27 12 334 5001 or +27 12 334 5001

		South African Biodiversity Information Facility
	Abbreviations	SABIF; SIBIS
	URL of organisation	http://www.sabif.ac.za or http://biodiversityadvisor.sanbi.org/online-biodiversity-data/sabif-3/
	Postal address	Private Bag X7
		Claremont
		7735
	Type of organisation	Government sector
	Description oforganisation	SABIF is a network consisting of key national partners and stakeholders who provide data through the SABIF portal and the end users of the data. These include museums, herbaria, universities, conservation agencies, government agencies and departments and non-governmental agencies.
	Broad subject fields	Biological sciences. General (1200) - Earth and marine sciences. General (1400)
	Name of database/dataset	SANBI Intergrated Biodiversity Information System (SIBIS)
	Description of dataset(s) or database	Biodiversity data from South African data providers.
	Accessible via the Internet	http://www.sabif.ac.za/ OR http://sibis.sanbi.org/
	Keywords	Biodiversity information; Biodiversity data
	E-mail	Click here to send an e-mail message
	Telephone number	+27 21 799 8800 or +27 21 799 8800
	Fax number	+27 21 799 6903 or +27 21 799 6903

		Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Consortium for Estuarine Research and Management
	Abbreviations	CERM
	URL of organisation	http://cerm.nmmu.ac.za/
	Postal address	PO Box 77000
		Port Elizabeth
		6031
	Type of organisation	Higher education sector
	Description oforganisation	The Consortium for Estuarine Research and Management (CERM) is an organisation of South African scientists who collaborate in promoting the wise management of estuarine systems through joint participation in directed research, training and technology
	Broad subject fields	General. (1000) - Earth and marine sciences. Marine biology (1409)
	Name of database/dataset	Estuarine Databases in South Africa
	Description of dataset(s) or database	Available scientific information on individual South African Estuarine systems.
	Accessible via the Internet	http://cerm.nmmu.ac.za/Databases
	Keywords	Estuarine ecosystems; Cool Temperature Estuaries; Warm Temperature Estuaries; Bibliography of SA estuaries
	Contact information	Mr Duncan Hay
	E-mail	Click here to send an e-mail message
	Telephone number	+27 33 3460796 or +27 33 3460796
	Fax number	+27 33 3460895 or +27 33 3460895

		Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Southern African Data Centre for Oceanography
	Abbreviations	SADCO; CSIR
	URL of organisation	http://sadco.csir.co.za/
	Postal address	PO Box 320
		Stellenbosch
		7599
	Type of organisation	Science councils and National facilities
	Description oforganisation	The Southern African Data Centre for Oceanography (SADCO) stores, retrieves and manipulates multi-disciplinary marine data from the areas around southern Africa (Indian, Atlantic and Southern Ocean south of 10 deg N). It is hosted by the South African CSIR Stellenbosch on behalf of a consortium of of marine organisations in South Africa and Namibia. SADCO also scouts for marine data in areas around southern Africa that was collected by organisations in southern Africa and beyond. The parameters include sea temperature, salinity currents, waves, nutrients, coastal weather, air temperature, etc.
	Broad subject fields	Earth and marine sciences. Marine biology (1409) - Earth and marine sciences. General (1400)
	Description of dataset(s) or database	VOS: voluntary observing ships that collect surface metocean data; Marine: research vessels collecting hydrographic profiles of sea tempaerature, salinity, nutrients, etc.; Time series: time series of current velocity, sea temperature, coastal weather (wind). SADCO does not collect any data itself
	Accessible via the Internet	http://sadco.csir.co.za/inventoryinfo.html
	Keywords	Oceanography; Hydrography; Maritime weather
	Contact information	Roy van Ballegooyen
	E-mail	Click here to send an e-mail message
	Telephone number	+27 21 888-2574 or +27 21 888-2574
	Fax number	+27 21 888-2693/ 48 or +27 21 888-2693/ 48

		Water Research Commission
	Abbreviations	WRC
	URL of organisation	http://www.wrc.org.za
	Postal address	Private Bag x03
		Gezina
		0031
	Type of organisation	Science councils and National facilities
	Description oforganisation	The WRC is mandated to support water research and development as well as the building of a sustainable water research capacity in South Africa
	Broad subject fields	Earth and marine sciences. General (1400)
	Name of database/dataset	Regional Water Statistics.
	Accessible via the Internet	http://www.wrc.org.za/pages/Resources Regionalstats.aspx
	Keywords	Water resource management
	E-mail	Click here to send an e-mail message
	Telephone number	+27 12 761-9300 or +27 12 761-9300
	Fax number	+27 12 331 2565 or +27 12 331 2565

		South Africa. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. Water Services National Information System
	Abbreviations	WSNIS; DWAF
	URL of organisation	http://www.dwaf.gov.za/Dir_WS/WaterServices/WSIndex.asp?curRes=800
	Postal address	Private Bag X313
		Pretoria
		0001
	Type of organisation	Government sector
	Broad subject fields	Earth and marine sciences. General (1400) - Earth and marine sciences. Hydrology (1408)
	Name of database/dataset	National Water Services Knowledge System
	Accessible via the Internet	https://www.dwa.gov.za/wsks/
	Keywords	Water quality
	Telephone number	+27 12 336 7141 or +27 12 336 7141

		Council for Geoscience
	Abbreviations	CGS
	URL of organisation	http://www.geoscience.org.za
	Postal address	Private Bag X112
		Pretoria
		0001
	Type of organisation	Science councils and National facilities
	Description oforganisation	The Council for Geoscience (CGS) is one of the National Science Councils of South Africa and is the legal successor of the Geological Survey of South Africa. The main functions of the CGS can be summarized as follows: 1) The systematic documentation of the surface of the Earth within the boundaries of South Africa, the compilation of geological, geophysical, geochemical and other geoscientific information and the publication of this information in the form of maps and documents. This forms the basis for activities ranging from mining and quarrying to finding suitable sites for roads, cemeteries, high-rise buildings and housing projects. 2) Geoscientific research on the rocks, ores, minerals, geological formations, fossils, etc. of South Africa and publication of research results in national and international publications. This research function is very important, as it assures that the South African geoscience community keeps abreast of (and sometimes even ahead of!) international developments in this field. 3) Collection and conservation of all geoscientific data and information on South Africa in national databases. This includes confidential data supplied to the Council in accordance with the stipulations of the Minerals Act (Act 50 of 1991), which makes it obligatory for prospecting companies to supply results of prospecting operations to the State. This Act also regulates the release of this information to interested parties. 4) Provision of geoscientific services and advice to the State, so that informed decisions regarding optimal and efficient use of the surface of the Earth may be taken.
	Broad subject fields	Earth and marine sciences. Ecology and environmental science (1402) - Earth and marine sciences. Physical geography (1413) - Earth and marine sciences. Geology (1404)
	Name of database/dataset	SAMINDABA; COREDATA; COALDATA; ENGEODE; SACS database; SAGEOLIT database; Topocadastral database; PEAT database; PALAEONCOLOGY database; GEODE/GIS; GEOCHEMICAL database; GEOPHYSICAL database.
	Description of dataset(s) or database	>SAMINDABA: South African Mineral Deposits Database, which stores a large variety of data on mines, mineral deposits and occurrences within the borders of South Africa. >Coredata: Prospecting borehole database, which contains data on prospecting boreholes, of which only the locality and header data is presently captured. >Coaldata: This is a sub-system of Coredata, which contains coal borehole data with full lithological descriptions and analytical data of samples. >ENGEODE: Engineering geology database, which contains borehole and soil profiles, rock profiles and information regarding sinkholes, as well as geotechnical analytical results. >SACS database: It is used to store data on the lithostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy and biostratigraphy of stratigraphic units in South Africa. >SAGEOLIT database: Bibliographic data. >Topocadastral database: Topocadastral data. >Peat database: Peat data. >Palaeontology database: Contains data on the important fossil localities in South Africa. >GEODE/GIS: Spatial database. >Geochemical database: Geochemistry data. >Geophysical database: Geophysical data.
	Accessible via the Internet	http://www.geoscience.org.za/pmsu/engeode/main.htm
	Keywords	Engineering; Geology; Borehole; Soil profiles; Rock profiles; Sinkholes; SAMINDABA; COREDATA; COALDATA; ENGEODE; SACS database; SAGEOLIT database; Topocadastal database; PEAT database; Palaeoncology database; GEODE; GEOCHEMICAL database; GEOPHYSICAL database; Geoscience
	E-mail	Click here to send an e-mail message
	Telephone number	+27 12 841 1024 or +27 12 841 1024
	Fax number	+27 12 841 1100 or +27 12 841 1100

		Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Earth Observation Data Centre
	Abbreviations	CSIR; EODC
	URL of organisation	http://www.csir.co.za/nre/ecosystems/eo.html
	Postal address	PO Box 395
		Pretoria
		0001
	Type of organisation	Science councils and National facilities
	Description oforganisation	The CSIR supports sustainable development and economic growth in the context of the country's national priorities and global challenges. The CSIR sources and develops knowledge and technology that enables the organisation to provide technology solutions and information, establish ventures and licence interllectual property
	Broad subject fields	Earth and marine sciences. Space and earth science (1412) - Earth and marine sciences. General (1400)
	Name of database/dataset	Earth Observation Data Centre
	Description of dataset(s) or database	The Earth Observation Data Centre (EODC) is the spatial data centre of choice for South Africa and the region, where data from a well-balanced portfolio of earth observation satellites is received, archived, processed and disseminated to the user community. In most cases, satellite data are directly received and downloaded daily - in some instances alternative arrangements are in place and EODC acts as a licensed reseller of the data. These activities have been conducted by the EODC as part of a sustained programme of earth observation data reception, archiving, processing and distribution since 1972, starting with Landsat MSS data. The historical archive and daily reception represent a unique digital environmental information asset for the entire southern African region.
	Accessible via the Internet	http://ntww1.csir.co.za/plsql/ptl0002/PTL0002 PGE005 DIVISIONS?DIVISION NO=7209624
	Keywords	Satellites; Earth observation
	E-mail	Click here to send an e-mail message
	Telephone number	+27 12 334 5003 or +27 12 334 5003

		South African Weather Service
	Abbreviations	SAWS
	URL of organisation	http://www.weathersa.co.za
	Postal address	Private Bag X097
		Pretoria
		0001
	Type of organisation	Government sector
	Description oforganisation	To be a world class meteorological organisation that contributes to the sustainable development of South Africa and beyond. Mission: To collect, process and provide meteorological and climatological products and services for the public good and commercial use of all South Africans and beyond.
	Broad subject fields	Earth and marine sciences. Oceanology (1411) - Earth and marine sciences. General (1400)
	Name of database/dataset	DataBank
	Accessible via the Internet	http://www.weathersa.co.za
	Keywords	Sea level synoptic chart; Sea-level pressure; Infrared Channel 97 MSG Satelite Images for Southern Africa; Color MSG Satelite Images for Southern Africa; Composite Radar and satelite Image for South Africa; Historical Climate data; Archived Forecast Data
	Telephone number	+27 82 233 8282/ 8484 or +27 82 233 8282/ 8484

		South Africa. Department of Energy
	Abbreviations	DOE
	URL of organisation	http://www.energy.gov.za/
	Postal address	Private Bag X96
		Pretoria
		0001
	Type of organisation	Government sector
	Description oforganisation	To formulate and implement an overall minerals and energy policy that ensures transformation of the sectors and optimum utilization of mineral and energy resources. To position the minerals and energy sectors for global competitiveness. To govern these sectors to be secure, safe healthy and environmentally sound. To redress past imbalances in order to achieve equity throughout the value chain in the minerals and energy sectors.
	Broad subject fields	Earth and marine sciences. General (1400)
	Name of database/dataset	Energy Statistics
	Description of dataset(s) or database	Contains data about liquid fuels in South Africa. Yearly energy supply and consumption energy balances are available from 1992-2001.
	Accessible via the Internet	http://www.energy.gov.za/files/energyStats frame.html
	Keywords	Fuel sales; Fuel exports; Liquid fuels; South African Mines Reportable Accidents Statistics System (SAMRASS)
	E-mail	Click here to send an e-mail message
	Telephone number	+27 12 406 7798 or +27 12 406 7798

		South Africa. Department of Mineral Resources. South African Mines Reportable Accident Statistics System
	Abbreviations	SAMRASS; DMR
	URL of organisation	http://www.dmr.gov.za
	Postal address	Private Bag X59
		Pretoria
		0001
	Type of organisation	Government sector
	Description oforganisation	To formulate and implement an overall minerals and energy policy that ensures transformation of the sectors and optimum utilization of mineral and energy resources. To position the minerals and energy sectors for global competitiveness. To govern these sectors to be secure, safe healthy and environmentally sound. To redress past imbalances in order to achieve equity throughout the value chain in the minerals and energy sectors.
	Broad subject fields	Earth and marine sciences. General (1400)
	Name of database/dataset	1. Accident statistics 2. Mineral Statistics
	Description of dataset(s) or database	1. Mine accidents, fatalities, injuries, occupations, classification of accident, time of day, workplace, and causes of the accident. 2. Minerals Statistical Tables.
	Accessible via the Internet	1. http://www.dmr.gov.za/Mine Safety/Accidents Starts.html ;2. http://www.dmr.gov.za/Mineral Information/Statistic.html
	Keywords	Mines; Mining accidents; Mine safety; Fatal accidents
	E-mail	Click here to send an e-mail message
	Telephone number	+27 12 444 3000 or +27 12 444 3000

		South African National Biodiversity Institute
	Abbreviations	SANBI
	URL of organisation	http://www.sanbi.org/
	Postal address	Private Bag X101
		Pretoria
		0001
	Type of organisation	Science councils and National facilities
	Description oforganisation	The aim of South African National Biodiversity Institute is to champion the exploration, conservation, sustainable use, appreciation and enjoyment of South Africa's exceptionally rich biodiversity for all South Africans.
	Broad subject fields	Biological sciences. Botany (1204) - Earth and marine sciences. Ecology and environmental science (1402)
	Name of database/dataset	Species Status Database
	Description of dataset(s) or database	The database provides a centralised storage location for information on the status of South African species. It also provides basic information pertaining to the relevant species such as descriptions of their habitat, common names and distribution ranges. Amongst others, it will provide information on the status of species under the various legislation that govern species in South Africa as well as IUCN red data list assessments of the conservation status of species.
	Accessible via the Internet	http://speciesstatus.sanbi.org/?
	Keywords	Biodiversity; Mesembryanthemaceae
	E-mail	Click here to send an e-mail message
	Telephone number	+27 21 799 8632 or +27 21 799 8632

		National Research Foundation. South African Astronomical Observatory
	Abbreviations	SAAO
	URL of organisation	http://www.saao.ac.za
	Postal address	PO Box 9
		Observatory
		7935
	Type of organisation	Science councils and National facilities
	Description oforganisation	The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the national centre for optical and infrared astronomy in South Africa. It is a facility of the National Research Foundation under the Department of Science and Technology. Its prime function is to conduct fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics by providing a world-class facility and by promoting astronomy and astrophysics in Southern Africa. SAAO headquarters are in the suburb of Observatory in Cape Town. The main telescopes used for research are located at the SAAO observing station near Sutherland in the Northern Cape, a 4 hour drive from Cape Town. The SAAO is the premier optical/infrared astronomy facility in Africa and plays a leading role in the promotion of astronomy in the continent. In terms of research, the SAAO is one of the most productive scientific institutions on the continent. There are strong international links worldwide through scientific collaboration and technological exchange. The SAAO operates the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) on behalf of the SALT Foundation, an international consortium comprising members from USA, Poland, Germany, UK and New Zealand as well as South Africa. SALT is the largest single optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. The South African share of the data from this telescope will be made available through the International Virtual Observatory.
	Broad subject fields	Earth and marine sciences. Space and earth science (1412) - Physical sciences. Astronomy (1701)
	Name of database/dataset	SAAO Astronomical Data
	Description of dataset(s) or database	Historical photographic plate collection of astronomical images and spectra. Modern electronic images, spectra and other measurements.
	Accessible via the Internet	http://www.saao.ac.za/resources/astronomical-data/
	Keywords	Astronomy; Telescope; Photometry; Spectroscopy
	E-mail	Click here to send an e-mail message
	Telephone number	+27 21 447-0025 or +27 21 447-0025
	Fax number	+27 21 447-3639 or +27 21 447-3639