665 



Table 7. Componests of the GDEM Database 



2. ARCTIC BUOY PROGMM 



This unclassified Arctic data buoy program has been ver>' 

 effective in providing realtime ice motion and surface pressure 

 data over the Arctic Basin and, as the sophistication and 

 flexibility of the buoys continues to improve, the collection of 

 an expanded suite of meteorological and oceanographic 

 parameters is now possible. Not only is this data set essential 

 to effective NIC operations, it is also generally useful to a 

 variety of civilian meteorology and oceanography research 

 programs. By piecing together support from a number of 

 governmental agencies within the United States as well as 

 Canada, Germany, and recently Russia, NIC has been able to 

 continue this important program with great benefit to everyone 

 operating in the Arctic region. This has not always been an 

 easy task but the results have proven to be well worth the effort. 



J. COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 

 SYSTEM (CEAS) 



CEAS consists of a user-oriented software front-end connected 

 to a series of environmental databases that are often collected 

 by classified government assets in support of Navy operations. 

 These databases have, for ihe most part, already been discussed 

 in this report. The databases run on public-domain Geographic 

 Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS) software, and 

 can be accessed using the widely available ARC INFO Graphical 



Information Systems (G!S) format. The databases are relational 

 in that they can be superimposed in multiple layers to provide 

 a data package registered to a common base map. This multi- 

 layered registration enhances the utility of all the data sets in 

 that they can be analyzed in context and in various combinations 

 to suit the user's requirements. 



Data contained in the CEAS vary in type, measurement precision, 

 and geographic coverage. General categories of data potentially 

 available include high-resolution bathymetry, bottom sediment 

 properties and characteristics (e.g., thickness, physical 

 properties, grain size, area distribution, acoustical properties), 

 and seafloor roughness. These data are typically analyzed in 

 conjunction with other databases to provide operational 

 information to the military client. 



Not all data types are available in all geographic areas; they 

 vary by both density and precision of measurement. In general, 

 coverage includes coastal regions and open oceans where 

 Navy operations have been conducted or might be in the future. 

 Tliese areas include the Persian Gulf Gulf of Oman, western 

 Pacific Ocean, Mediterranean Sea. and other areas. Significantly, 

 many of the areas already covered are of interest to science and 

 industry, where exploration for natural resources or pollution 

 abatement programs are planned or are underway. 



37 



