Coordinated by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) through its International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE), ODIS connects existing data systems rather than creating a new central repository, helping users discover and access resources across a distributed global network.

Established and emerging data systems are interlinked through the ODIS Architecture (ODIS-Arch) – a set of technical norms and conventions designed to promote digital interoperability across and beyond the ocean domain. Organisations participating in ODIS retain ownership and stewardship of their data and information while making their resources more discoverable and accessible to others.

The ODIS Federation brings together the organisations participating in this distributed network. Through the Federation, organisations can contribute to the continued development of ODIS-Arch, strengthen interoperability among their systems, and improve the visibility and discoverability of their data and information. IODE provides coordination and support for the social and technical development of ODIS, drawing on its many decades of experience in international ocean data and information exchange.

The ODIS Global Search Hub is currently being redeveloped. In the meantime, the ODIS Catalogue of Sources (ODIS Cat) remains available for browsing ODIS Nodes and data sources. Keep an eye on the ODIS News page for progress updates.