Global Observing Systems (GCOS, GOOS and GTOS) Program Information in GOSIC

The information referred to here includes program overview and summary information on the Global Observing Systems (GCOS, GOOS and GTOS) and GOSIC

The various pages also includes links to meeting reports of the panels and steering committees, scientific design documents, data management plans, etc.

Global Observing Systems (GCOS, GOOS and GTOS) Program Information

To assist users in finding current information on the development of the observing systems, GOSIC has prepared overviews or summaries describing how the Global Observing Systems networks were developed, the design criteria, the purpose of each, locations of observing stations, etc. The  "Development of GCOS" page provides an example of these overviews and summaries.

Where documents and reports are already available on-line, GOSIC links to them and does not duplicate them. Use the "Publications" link in the menu on the left to access GOSIC and Global Observing Systems publication lists and data management plans.

For GOSIC itself, relevant program information is provided on-line. This tour and the What is GOSIC? page are examples of this type of information.

Unique Approaches to this Requirement

• The detail of the information covered determines the level of effort required to maintain the information up-to-date. GOSIC has attempted to strike a balance between providing an adequate level of detail that changes only on the frequency of steering group or science panel meetings. This means that the material for an observing system need only be updated of the order of once or twice a year and can be maintained with a practical level of effort.
• The source of the information. GOSIC occasionally attends  SC and science panel meetings. However, most of our information comes from reading meeting reports, searching the web, and personal contact.