Connecting People to Data: Enabling Data Connected Communities through Enhancements to the Geothermal Data Repository

The Department of Energy's (DOE) Geothermal Data Repository (GDR) has implemented a series of new features designed to connect people to data. These features, which are based on feedback from the GDR user community and surveys of the greater geothermal research community, are designed to improve data quality and empower members of all communities to better engage with geothermal data resources by providing universal access to data and by improving the connections between data providers, subject matter experts, and the communities of people using GDR data. This paper will explore some of the recent enhancements made to the GDR to improve data discoverability, reduce submission time, and result in better quality data submissions. These improvements include the ability for users to save a list of their favorite datasets, search for insight into geothermal datasets or data availability, or sign up to receive notifications of future updates to specific datasets. These improvements aim to enhance the overall user experience of the GDR while further connecting communities to the data they need to inform decisions, advance geothermal research, and develop innovative solutions to local energy problems.