Norwegian METOC distribution system: Sophisticated integration through simple mechanisms

An exceedingly versatile and flexible system for meteorological and oceanographic data distribution and processing has been built for the Norwegian Navy, with special emphasis on how operational forecasting products may be distributed effectively to marine users. This distribution system meets an extremely wide range of user requirements, from visualization in web browser to sophisticated integration with weapons and sensors systems. Important factors for this versatility are the use of open standards and formats and utilizing the robust data retrieval mechanisms of the web (http) protocol.