Canada´s National Oceanographic Data Services In The 1980´s

Canada´s Marine Environmental Data Service (MEDS), located in Ottawa, is the national center far oceanographic data services. It was established in 1973, consolidating several related data services. MEDS has completed its first decade of operation this year. A brief summary of the first decade´s achievements will be given. Its second decade likely will be a period of rapid evolution. Looking ahead through the 1980´s, the probable effect of rapidly advancing microprocessor technology on the scope of MEDS operations, the kinds and quantities of data to be archived, and the provision of user services is described. Telecommunications, data base technology, and networks implemented on microcomputers will be specifically considered.