vDec

The International Monitoring System (IMS) is a global network that uses state-of-the-art seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound and radionuclide facilities to monitor the Earth, oceans and atmosphere 24/7 for signs of nuclear explosions.

The data recorded by the system are widely considered to be unique and a treasure trove of knowledge with a broad range of civil and scientific applications. Today, CTBTO data are not only being used to detect nuclear explosions but also to investigate the impact of climate change, warn about tsunamis or to track radiation on a global scale.

The virtual Data Exploitation Centre (vDEC) gives organizations around the world access to IMS data for approved scientific projects. Through vDEC, researchers can conduct studies, publish new findings, and exchange knowledge at CTBTO’s conferences, including the CTBTO’s Science and Technology Conference series, as well as in workshops and technical meetings, or via this dedicated vDEC page.

The strong relationship between the scientific and technological community and the CTBTO helps to ensure that the IMS remains at the forefront of technological innovation and that no nuclear explosion goes undetected.

Access to IMS data is available free of charge. To obtain data, you will need to complete the following steps:

1) Check whether your project is aligned with our policy

Access to IMS data will only be provided under contract within the terms of the policy approved by CTBTO Member States (available here CTBT-PC-14-1-Annex_II_1_.pdf). As a general rule, this program is open to organizations rather than individual researchers: please ensure that your organization is willing and able to sign the contract.

Data are only provided within temporal and geographical boundaries and for scientific projects which are deemed viable by the CTBTO. Requests for data for other purposes will not be considered. 

Please check all Conditions of Use described in the section below.

2) Submit your request

Fill out the request webform and send an email describing the research project as well as specifying for what purpose(s) the data are needed. 

3) Review and approval

CTBTO reviews the proposal to ensure it is a viable scientific project aligned with the vDEC Policy. If approved, a legal data confidentiality contract must be signed with the CTBTO and by all research participants involved, as well as by the legally responsible person within your organisation.

• Access is given only to the IMS data necessary for your study.
   
• The data are provided “as is” and no responsibility for the quality, quantity, suitability, reliability or timeliness is assumed.
   
• The IMS data and IDC products will be used only for research associated with the development of the IMS and IDC or for the purposes stated in the contracts. 
   
• The number of Authorized Persons designated to request IMS data under the contract cannot exceed three.
   
• The nationality of the Authorized Persons must be provided.
   
• Data shall not be redistributed to third parties.
   
• The data cannot be published in their raw form. However, publication of research outcomes is permitted.
   
• Acknowledgement of CTBTO as the data source is kindly requested.

Find the vDEC policy here: CTBT-PC-14-1-Annex_II_1_.pdf