Enabling decision support with geospatial standards

Geospatial interoperability specifications and standards are increasing the discovery, access and use of remotely sensed data. NASA has been contributing remote sensing needs and solutions to the development of geographic information standards. Of particular importance are the ISO TC211 εographic Information, the Federal Geographic Data Committee, and the Open GIS Consortium. Geospatial standards define the basis for common data models and for interoperable protocols and services. Well-defined open interface are a key element in a system engineering approach to building interoperable systems. These standards and the product that conform to them provide a basis for interoperability of remote sensed data sources and services for application communities. Application communities need Internet-enabled interactive and interoperable access to data from observation and models for decision support systems. Bringing data archives and real-time, active sensors on-line supports the flow of geospatial information supporting policy makers, operational managers (including all sectors of government), and the citizens of the world.