10. Development of the Marine Data Framework
The development of marine data standards based on XML cannot be undertaken in isolation of other related international initiatives or programs. In addition to this, and to ensure that the work undertaken in developing standards and protocols is adopted by the broad marine sector, it is essential that the broad international marine community be involved in the development process. Also, for any development program to be of relevance to software developers there must be a clearly demonstrated commercial driver at both national and international levels.
A number of intergovernmental global programs undertake many activities that will benefit significantly from the development of a Marine XML data environment. These programs include the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) together with scientific programs such as IGBP Land/Ocean Interaction in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ). Consequently, it important that the process of development of this XML based marine data framework includes these groups in order to ensure successful uptake of the developed technologies; since the great the use of the technology, the greater the benefit.
10.1 International Coordination Process
To promote the necessary linkages and provide a mechanism for agreement on the development of XML based standards and protocols IODE should take the lead in the formation of an international coordination group. Such a group would oversee and approve the development of the necessary standards and protocols and be responsible for the liaison with appropriate international standards groups.
The IODE lead group should include representatives of a number of intergovernmental agencies, relevant national organisations and commercial companies with global marine or spatial data interests. This group could include :-
IOC's Committee on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE),
･United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Information Services,
･World Meteorological Organisation (WMO),
･International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) and
･United States Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) and Oceanographic Office
･ESRI Ltd
･ORACLE Ltd
A coordination group such as proposed above would ensure that the manufacturers of systems supporting marine resource management, marine data management and marine related defence applications would have a common specification and framework from which to operate. This approach would also help ensure compatibility with other standards initiatives, maximising the return for investment of both systems developers and the user community through the creation of open and interoperable marine data and information systems. An international coordination group could also examine mechanisms for funding of both research activities and demonstration projects aimed at supporting developing countries in particular.
The establishment of a research and development program to undertake the necessary work on the XML framework development is a more complex matter. It will be difficult to initiate without an external source of funding. The resources required are beyond IODE and so it would be important that efforts are made to seek the necessary support from other sources.
