Geographical Information System (GIS) for Marine Operations

Delta Data Systems, Inc. (DDS), a key developer and supplier of GIS technology to clients such as NASA, COE, NOS, etc. and Neptune Sciences, Inc. (NSI), a developer of the Navy Surf Model and other nearshore related products, will combine their expertise to develop a Marine Geographical Information Systems. Presently, no one method exists to adequately assess the coastal environment. Large database containing environmental information are available, but do not provide current conditions. Near-real-time information from battlefield sensors is often "spotty" dependent on deployment opportunity, area of coverage and proper interpretation. Computer models often can fill data gaps, but model execution and interpretation are usually performed by "experts," far from the battle front. These shortcomings results in an inefficient, fragmented approach to a complex problem that often needs to be solved in near real-time data. The solution is t o integrate available computer models, historical databases, and real-time data into a user-friendly system that will provide the best possible information in the shortest period of time. The challenge is to create a workable exchange between numerical models and geoprocessing. Our approach is to research and develop a systems capable of combining historical, near-real-time, and modeled data into one environment for forecast modeling. The interfacing of databases and models with the GIS is a principal consideration that will be addressed.