NOAA official predicts network for Earth's data
Vice Adm. Conrad Lautenbacher Jr. envisions a broadcast system blanketing the world with data and information to help nations "make wise choices" on their resources.
A GEO-Netcast data system conceptually would use commercial telecommunications to allow broadcast of Earth observation data and collect data from isolated sites and observatories, according to the work plan.
It would take just a $500 computer and a $500 satellite dish to receive the information, Lautenbacher, undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere, said in an interview here.
"It is a cheap way to bring technological marvels" to developing countries, said Lautenbacher, head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Lautenbacher, who oversees a $4 billion annual budget, gave a lecture and media briefing Tuesday at the 2006 Ocean Sciences Meeting, sponsored by the American Geophysical Union at the Hawai'i Convention Center.
Since his appointment in December 2001, he has been key in promoting a Global Earth Observation System of Systems for socioeconomic benefits, encouraging countries to join the effort.
He said 60 nations and more than 40 international organizations and the European Commission have agreed to develop a 10-year plan for global Earth observation systems "to provide data to everyone in the world."
Linking space, ocean and land technology, the Earth observation system "will revolutionize our understanding of the earth and how it works," NOAA says in describing the plans.
"Imagine a world in which we can forecast winter weather months in advance; predict where the next outbreak of malaria, SARS or West Nile virus is likely to hit; and, in the U.S. alone, reduce energy costs by about $1 billion annually."
Reducing loss of life and property from disasters and monitoring ocean resources are two major goals of the observing system, Lautenbacher said.
Benefits to Hawaii, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web site, include expanding ability to predict volcanic eruptions, helping to detect global climate changes and sea level rise, and more accurate weather forecasting.
The state also would benefit with critical data on invasive plants and noxious weeds that affect agriculture.
Lautenbacher said the Indian Ocean region is "a very good test case" for an integrated Earth observation system. After the devastating tsunamis there on Dec. 26, 2004, he said, more countries are cooperating because "they realize they need data reported in real time."
In the Pacific, Hawaii is the center for all NOAA activity. That is why a multimillion-dollar Pacific Region Center is planned on Ford Island, he said. NOAA chose that site last year to consolidate all of its offices and activities now scattered across the island.
Completion of the new facility, which will house about 500 NOAA employees, is anticipated by 2010.