Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth
Observations
Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans & Atmosphere | NOAA
American Meteorological Society 86th Annual Meeting
January 30 2006
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Disclaimer
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Top Ten Challenges
10) Alphabet Soup
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Top Ten Challenges
10) Alphabet Soup
9) Stove Pipes
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Top Ten Challenges
10) Alphabet Soup
9) Stove Pipes
8) Integration
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Top Ten Challenges
10) Alphabet Soup
9) Stove Pipes
8) Integration
7) Architecture
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7. What is a NOAA Observation System
Architecture?NOAA approved new Target Architecture
Observation System features and functions Expressed in terms of relationships, interfaces, processes
(including business) and constraints
Includes Three Components: The baseline architecture describes the current features
and functions of NOAA’s Observation System. The target architecture describes the desired features and
functions of NOAA’s future Observation System. An iterative process is used to move from the baseline
architecture to the target architecture.
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7. NOAA’s Observation System Target Architecture
Target Architecture Principles: Utility Interoperability Flexibility Sustainability Affordability
Coordinated with allappropriate partners
(international & national)
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Top Ten Challenges
10) Alphabet Soup
9) Stove Pipes
8) Integration
7) Architecture
6) Data Sharing
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6. Data Sharing:Global Cooperation
GEOSS Data Sharing Principles: There will be full and open exchange of data, metadata,
and products shared within GEOSS, recognizing relevant international instruments and national policies and legislation.
All shared data, metadata, and products will be made available with minimum time delay and at minimum cost.
All shared data, metadata, and products free of charge or no more than cost of reproduction will be encouraged for research and education.
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Top Ten Challenges
10) Alphabet Soup
9) Stove Pipes
8) Integration
7) Architecture
6) Data Sharing
5) User Needs
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5. User NeedsGEOSS Societal Benefits
Disasters
Health Energy
Climate
Water
Weather
Ecosystems
Agriculture
Biodiversity
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Top Ten Challenges
10) Alphabet Soup
9) Stove Pipes
8) Integration
7) Architecture
6) Data Sharing
5) User Needs
4) Maximizing Benefits
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4. Maximizing Benefits
How do we get the “biggest bang for the buck”?
Prioritize needs based on benefits Target resources to highest priorities Leverage existing activities and investments Build GEOSS principles into planning of future
systems
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Top Ten Challenges
10) Alphabet Soup
9) Stove Pipes
8) Integration
7) Architecture
6) Data Sharing
5) User Needs
4) Maximizing Benefits
3) Communication
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3. Communication
The goal is to access and provide the right information, in the right format, at the right time, to the right people, to make the right decisions.
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3. CommunicationNear Term Opportunities
GEO-Netcast
Global broadcast system for the delivery of data, products and services in support of all nine GEOSS societal benefit areas, including reducing loss of life and property from disasters.
Web-based Portal System
Common web-based portal system for access to all Earth observation data, with specific links designed to increase use, quality and accessibility of existing information tools and networks – could serve as the data base link to GEONETcast.
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Top Ten Challenges
10) Alphabet Soup
9) Stove Pipes
8) Integration
7) Architecture
6) Data Sharing
5) User Needs
4) Maximizing Benefits
3) Communication
2) Data Management
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2. Data ManagementChallenges in Data
ManagementSize: Managing exponentially growing data volume
Metadata: Appropriately describing metadata to ensure long-term utility
Standards/Protocols: Providing data in formats that enable integration
Access: Providing clear and easy discovery of, and access to, data and information products
At Risk Data Sets: Collecting data at risk to extend the environmental data record
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2. Data ManagementOngoing NOAA Efforts
NOAA’s Integrated Global Observation & Data Management Plan—2005 Update
Refined and updated observing system baseline architecture
Performing gap analysis between observing requirements and observing capabilities
Started investment analysis to determine efficient mix of observing systems to achieve requirements
Established NOAA-wide data standards group Implementing Comprehensive Large Array-data
Stewardship System (CLASS) web-based data archive and distribution system for NOAA’s environmental data
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Top Ten Challenges
10) Alphabet Soup
9) Stove Pipes
8) Integration
7) Architecture
6) Data Management
5) Data Sharing
4) User Needs
3) Maximizing Benefits
2) Communication
1) Execution
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1. ExecutionInternational Tsunami Warning
System
Proposed DART Buoy Expansion
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1. ExecutionU.S. Announces Move of Geostationary
Satellite