CMG-WH Core Competency - Information Management

This project provides umbrella support of a core competency of the Coastal and Marine Geology Program in Woods Hole - a robust network, web, computer, and information foundation to strengthen the quality, quantity, and timeliness of CMGP science. This foundation allows the team to provide timely, accurate, impartial information (including electronic publications) for collaborators, clients, stakeholders, and other potential users of our knowledge.

This project provides a robust network, web, computer, and information foundation that strengthens the quality, quantity, and timeliness of WHSC science. This includes five areas: Scientific Computing Infrastructure; Web and Publication Support; Data Library/Information Archive; Geographic Information Systems (GIS); and Network, Firewall, and Telecommunications. The Scientific Computing Infrastructure group maintains the Center's scientific computer environment by coordinating and improving resources that are shared by the research projects. These resources include servers and hardware for printing, plotting, and data storage; servers and software licenses for general scientific applications; and expertise in installing, operating, upgrading, and repairing unique scientific computational systems within a complex local area network. The Web and Publication Support group provides expert support for scientific publishing including web-master functions, integration of project information in online databases, construction of Web services to streamline Center operations, compliance with policies and regulations regarding online and traditional publications, and editing and review of publications for public release. The Data Library/Information Archive maintains and improves data storage, description, and access, in order to provide data resources in an organized, accessible form for Center scientists and guest investigators, including up-to-date electronic inventories and web-distribution pages, as well as procedures for submitting and describing new data holdings. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) group maintains an integrated GIS facility to provide training and expert advice to project staff members, especially to speed up the training process for contract employees; supports research projects in optimizing and maintaining GIS software; maintains an internal web server to provide used datasets; and develops an ArcIMS website to publish scientific results in GIS form. Network, Firewall, and Telecommunications personnel maintain a secure scientific computer network in the Center through continual review, refinement, coordination, and improvement of the security IT systems, firewall systems and programming, and networks for internet, intranet and telephone communication.

This project supports core expertise to maintain information systems and assist scientific projects in the use of those systems.

This project is successful when it is an invisible partner in producing the results, websites, and publications of all the scientific projects in the Center. In addition to the public Websites listed below, the project maintains an intranet with internal Web pages and digital forms that provide assistance to Center staff and expedite Center administration.