Abstract:
NOAA can manage its observation system more efficiently and effectively with an
architecture that defines a consistent set of principles, policies, and
standards. The NOAA Observing System Architecture (NOSA) Action Group, directed
by the NOSA Senior Steering Group, was established to develop an observational
architecture that helps NOAA: (1) design observing systems that
... support NOAA's
mission & provide maximum value (2) avoid duplication of existing systems, and
(3) operate efficiently and in a cost-effective manner.
An inventory of all NOAA observing systems is available. A NOSA interactive
map (http://map.ngdc.noaa.gov/website/nosa/) produced using ArcIMS in a web
browser allows users to view all of the NOSA observatories (See
http://www.nosa.noaa.gov/wms_noaa_obs.html for additional information about
open GIS access to NOAA observatories). Users can also search NOAA observing
systems through the NOSA Geospatial Database search option. Furthermore, "Find
your place" is designed for locating observatories that are a part of the
NOAA's Observing System Architecture (NOSA) through regional searches based on
a variety of geographical themes.