Application of collected data
Presentations at the DBCP Technical Workshop
Buenos Aires, Argentina, 17-18 October 2005

Theme 2: Operational enhancements and practices

10. Data Management and Communications

Author: William Burnett (National Data Buoy Center, Stennis Space Center, USA)

Abstract: The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) reorganized on May 1st, 2005 and created the Data Management and Communications (DMAC) Branch. This reorganization allows NDBC to align their Center with the Integrated Ocean Observing System’s (IOOS) goals and principles – specifically addressing data management.
The DMAC branch will focus on five key areas:

o Obtain marine weather and ocean observations from NDBC platforms, NOAA observatories, IOOS Regional Associations, oil companies and universities. 

o Ensure the quality of these observations in a timeframe consistent with needs of forecasters, mariners, modelers, and archive centers.

o Disseminate the data to diverse user communities via multiple transmission pathways.

o Take a leadership role in developing and setting IOOS standards and protocols through workshops, meetings, etc....

o Coordinates with National Weather Service offices, NOAA and IOOS partners to effectively and efficiently interoperate between diverse organizations (both public and private) and validates user requirements.