World Data Center System
The World Data Center (WDC) system was established as part of the International Geophysical Year (IGY), and data management plans developed for each IGY scientific discipline. Because of its success, the WDC system was made permanent and continues to archive and distribute post-IGY data.
At present, 42 World Data Centers in nine countries conduct international exchanges of geophysical and environmental information in accordance with the principles set forth by the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) through the ICSU Panel on World Data Centers. All centers have computer facilities and most use electronic networks to meet requests, exchange catalog information and transfer data.