The International Seismological Community recognizes the new opportunities within its field for improved understanding of the internal structure and dynamical properties of the Earth provided by seismograph network technology.

It also recognizes that rapid access to seismic data networks of modern broad-band digital instruments wherever they might be is now possible.

The developments include greatly improved broad-band seismographic systems that capture the entire seismic wave field with high fidelity, efficient and economical data communications and storage and widely available, powerful computing facilities.

The federation is open to all  programs committed to the deployment of broad-band seismographs and willing to contribute to the establishment of an optimum global system with open and timely data exchange.

I. Goals

In view of the above and to take advantage of existing and developing global and regional networks the "International Federation of Digital Seismograph Networks (FDSN)" provides a forum for:

• developing common minimum standards in seismographs (e.g. bandwidth) and recording characteristics (e.g. resolution and dynamic range);
• developing standards for quality control and procedures for archiving and exchange of data among component networks;
• coordinating the siting of stations in locations that will provide optimum coverage;
• Pursuing free and open access to data;
• Improving Access to data in real time.

II. Institutional Frame

The Federation is an independent international association and has commission status within the International Association for Seismology and Physics of the Earth’s Interior (IASPEI).

III. Membership and Organization

• Membership in the FDSN is open to national and international programs committed to both the development and operation of the broad-band digital networks and achievement of the goals of the Federation.
  
  
• The structure of the FDSN includes a steering committee and an executive committee.
  
  
• The members of the FDSN steering committee will consist of one representative per network who will be appointed or selected, by the network, from within the organization they represent.
  
  
• Between meetings of the steering committee, the activities of the federation will be coordinated by an elected executive committee whose membership may not exceed one representative from any program.
  
  
• The FDSN executive committee, elected for a four-year term, will be headed by a chair, assisted by not more than three members, and a secretary.  The chair of the executive committee will preside over the meetings of the steering committee. Members of the executive committee shall be elected from within the steering committee or the member organizations.
  
  
• The FDSN steering committee will form all necessary working groups or special technical committees as required to achieve the objectives of the FDSN.
  
  
• The FDSN steering committee will deliberate at least once a year. Special meetings may be called by the chair as necessary for the progress of the FDSN.
  
  
• Concerning all recommendations made and actions to be taken, each member of the FDSN will have one vote, with the limitation that no one country may have more than two votes.  In the case of more than two members from a single nation present, the two voting members must be identified to the chair in advance.  A majority of 2/3 voting members will be required for an affirmative vote.  Five members of the FDSN will constitute a quorum for FDSN steering committee meetings.
  
  
• No fees are imposed but voluntary contributions may be requested to cover costs for communications.
  
  
• Any member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the chair.

page updated 01.06.2006