Identifying, accessing, and interoperably using earth and space science information systems
J. R. Thieman · AIP conference proceedings · 1993
The Catalog Interoperability Project has for many years sought to bring together developers of information systems in the Earth and Space Sciences to promote interoperability— the capability for the users to easily identify, access, use, and intercompare results from data information systems. There is still much to be done to reach this goal, but the first stages of interoperability are in place. An International Directory Network (IDN) is in operation world‐wide which is easily accessible via compter networks and dial‐in lines. Users can learn about useful data sets as well as relevant information systems through these directories. In many cases the users can be automatically connected to information systems through a simple LINK command.Testing is beeing done to make these information systems easier to use in conjunction with each other. One technique, context passing, allows a file of information to be passed to another information system as the user is being transferred to that system. This information file can then be used to aid the user in searching for useful information. Remote querying of information systems as well as the return and comparison of results is being tested by the EOS Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Version 0 group. Incorporation of standard software packages to achieve interoperability through uniformity is another approach. Still other techniques are being developed by several groups to provide an interoperable environment within particular disciplines or projects. The nature of the IDN, as well as the information systems which are accessible through it, will be highlighted. The progress of interoperability and an overview of what might be expected for the future will be discussed, as will the plans for future work to achieve interoperability.