National Tibetan Plateau / Third Pole Environment Data Center
Short description
The National Tibetan Plateau Data Center (TPDC) is a national scientific data center specializing in the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding regions. Hosted by the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, it stores and manages data from the Third Pole Environment (TPE) observation network and related research programs.
The repository covers a broad range of disciplines including geography, atmospheric science, cryospheric science, hydrology, ecology, geology, and social sciences. It provides both open-access and request-based data services for global users.
| Key information | |
|---|---|
| Discipline |
Geosciences, Atmospheric Science, Cryosphere Research, Hydrology, Ecology, Geology |
| Institution |
Chinese Academy of Sciences – Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research |
| Languages | Chinese, English |
| Repository access |
Open |
| Data access |
Open, Restricted |
| Access requirements |
Some datasets are openly downloadable; others require registration, application, and approval. |
| International usability | Moderate. Both Chinese and English interfaces are available, but request-based access can be difficult for researchers outside China. |
| Website | https://www.re3data.org/repository/r3d100013285Externer Link |
| re3data | https://www.re3data.org/repository/r3d100013285Externer Link |
Video tutorial
The repository provides illustrated documentation explaining how to identify open-access datasets and how to apply for access to restricted materials.
Access notes
The platform offers both Chinese and English interfaces, with no major difference in data volume. Open-access datasets can be downloaded directly. Request-based datasets require login, completion of an application form, and approval before download. Approval can be difficult to obtain for researchers outside China.
Repository overview
TPDC stores and publishes scientific data from the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding regions, including in situ observations, remote sensing data, and model outputs. It supports research related to environmental change and the broader Third Pole Environment program.
The repository also provides services such as data curation, quality control, citation support, visualization, and a developing cloud platform for integrated data analysis.