Advanced data storage and analysis for oceanographic trials

Oceanographic trials generate large quantities of measured data from a wide variety of sources. These may include sensor observations (both environmental-XBT, XSV-and sonar sensors-ambient noise), vessel tracks, satellite images, ocean model predictions (both nowcasts and forecasts), meteorological data, tidal data and acoustic data. In addition, the data may be position based, area based or grid based, and will vary over time. The data will need to be collected for the period of the trial, and often for a period before and after the trial. On-line and post-trials analyses of the data must be performed allowing the overlay of data from multiple sources, modelling of the data, visualisation of the trials measurements and comparison to predicted or modelled results. The paper considers these requirements, effectively for 4-dimensional data analysis (x,y,z and t), and the contending solutions to the problems raised. It focuses on the benefits of object oriented technologies and modern computer workstations with advanced graphical capabilities. Design factors discussed include databases, human computer interfaces, architectural and performance issues