Validation

Validation is a key part of scientific investigation. How do we check what we have done? What are the uncertainties of our conclusions? How are the processes and results of validation communicated to users of information?

Validation substantiates the accuracy and precision of a data product, a model simulation, or an analysis tool. Ideally, this information is obtained by comparison to a baseline of information that is accepted as standard. In the absence of independent information analysis of correlated behavior expected from theory might serve as a proxy. The validation process is the basis of quantitative application. Validation is dynamic, leading to changes in the data product, which require further validation. There are general attributes of the validation process:

• More than one source of information about the measured parameter is needed
• Validation requires scrutiny by independent investigators — Those who develop need to be different from those who validate to assure objectivity.

Openclimate.org is committed to documenting the validation process of projects, the metrics used for validation, and the results of the validation. This is a value of the community that guides it evolution.