We live in a world that is undergoing transition to knowledge-based economies driven by scientific, engineering and technological advances. Science-based knowledge underpins our future as a thriving, cultured and responsible community and is essential for meeting new challenges, such as global warming. Applied scientists contribute to this knowledge and at the core of their work is the collection of data, or observations of the natural environment that form the basis of knowledge about the environment. Data gathered from field research is extremely valuable at many levels, but do we adequately recognize this and how well do we preserve, protect and manage these data? There is a growing need, and in some jurisdictions, a legal obligation, for institutions to develop systems & infrastructure to preserve, protect and facilitate access to data.