Database Reference
In-Depth Information
various types of scientific data, but also integrating the increasing number of
data and value-added services that are being deployed by geospatial communi-
ties in several important scientific application domains. The primary objective
in this context is indeed a high degree of interoperability as a prerequisite for
effective data integration and uniform and transparent data access.
In this chapter, we have reviewed emerging data integration requirements
particularly in the context of the geosciences, where advancements in sensor
and network technologies are placing an immense amount of diverse data at
the scientist's disposal. We reviewed integration concepts from basic notions
like data formats and metadata standards, to more comprehensive approaches
including standards for interoperability and supporting Web-based technolo-
gies. We paid special attention to current efforts in the context of geospatial
sensor data streams, amply exemplified with the enormous deal of data gen-
erated by air and space-borne instruments as well as numerous oceanic and
ground sensor networks. With a practical environmental scenario, we illus-
trated an approach for integration and interoperability involving several of
the components discussed in the chapter, which is in fact being developed in
the context of the COMET Project.
85
Related projects, such as the Geoscience
Network (GEON)
86
and the Science Environment for Ecological Knowledge
(SEEK),
87
have also made great progress in building service-oriented archi-
tectures and portals that facilitate the ecient access to and integration of
diverse geospatial datasets and repositories.
We have illustrated how current technologies, characterized by concerted ef-
forts in standardization, are making the interoperability goal not only better
defined but also effectively realizable in critical scientific application scenar-
ios. Although much is still to be accomplished, especially in terms of the
specification of ontologies in several areas of the geosciences, the science com-
munity can already take advantage of currently available infrastructures and
technologies, and start benefiting from the progress underway.
Acknowledgements
This work is in part supported by the National Science Foundation under
Awards No. IIS-0326517 and ATM-0619139.
References
[1] A. Szalay and J. Gray. 2020 computing: Science in an exponential world.
Nature
, (440):413-414, 2006.
[2] Sloan Digial Sky Survey (SDSS). http://www.sdss.org/. Accessed on
July 10, 2009.
