The application of a horizontal integration paradigm for GEOSS

The global earth observation system of systems (GEOSS) is envisioned as an interoperable confederation of existing and future earth observation, information and decision support systems. The implementation of this approach requires information synthesis across disciplines, domains, and geo-political boundaries. The technological component of this challenge is not new. Significant advancements have been made in the intelligence community that can be transferred directly to the GEOSS framework. horizontal integration (HI) provides an approach for connecting legacy assets into a system of systems architecture. HI can be implemented at a variety of levels constrained by cost/benefit and other practical considerations. This paper provides an overview of the HI paradigm and the various levels of integration within a GEOSS context.