Information Management in the Southeast Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing System: A Regional Approach

There is an enormous volume of real-time and delayed-mode data available from sensors and instruments measuring and monitoring the ocean and coastal waters of the southeastern United States. The management of these widely distributed data requires a sophisticated system that can organize, retrieve, aggregate, document and disseminate data and derived information for a variety of purposes and applications. The Southeast Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing System (SEA-COOS) has implemented an information management (IM) program to enable the integration and interfacing of the observation, modeling, and user application components of SEACOOS. The primary components of the IM system are the data inputs, the multiple functions and processes applied to the data, the products and tools derived from the data, and documentation describing all of the above. The SEACOOS experience has identified important requirements for a regionally-based IM system. Key to the success of the IM program is the development of standards to ensure consistency and quality of data and information, and development of appropriate interfaces for delivery of a variety of applications to an equally diverse variety of users. Primary areas of development are data transport; data format, naming conventions and quality control; visualization, and metadata. Essential also is a communications structure and networked problem-solving team. Sufficient resources are also critical to insure reliability including redundancy of personnel expertise and equipment. Rather than including IM as an afterthought, it must be incorporated and sustained through sound up-front planning. Finally, the temptation to defer documentation of progress, processes, and protocols must be resisted, so that successes and efficiencies can be gained through shared accomplishments and problem solving