NASA REASoN PROJECT Research, Education and Applications Solution Network

What is SEEDS?

SEEDS is NASA’s Strategy for Evolution of ESE Data Systems (SEEDS). The primary goal of the NASA’s Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) standards process is to facilitate interoperability among components of the ESE network of data systems. Under the ESE, the Strategy for Evolution of ESE Data Systems (SEEDS) has instituted a process of peer review for standards adoption used by NASA funded Earth science activities. An important motivation underlying the process is a realization that documentation of established practices used by and targeted to particular science measurement data sets will enable greater flexibility and interoperability among data systems.

For additional general information about SEEDS, visit one of NASA's websites, http://spg.gsfc.nasa.gov/About/Overview

For information on all funded REASoN Projects, visit http://research.hq.nasa.gov/code_y/nra/current/CAN-02-OES-01/winners.html

Enhancement Earth Science Information and Data Use

The three hazards-related projects draw heavily on remote sensing data obtained from NASA Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) and commercial remote sensing data providers. In addition, the projects will use a wide variety of in situ data stored in GIS and decision support systems (DSS). We anticipate that our relationship with the Federation of Earth Science Information Partners will help us become aware of the spatial resource information currently available. Interaction with the ESIP will introduce us to potential users of the decision support systems we may not have considered. We also anticipate that our ability to desseminate information will be improved via interaction with federation partners.

Data Users Benefit from Association with the Federation of Earth Science Information

The three separate projects each have a different set of users.

1. The "Human Risk and Vulnerability to Hazards Decision Support System" will be utilized by FEMA and other emergency management personnel at the national and local level.
2. The "Remote Sensing Hazard Guidance System" will identify remote sensing assets (orbital and sub-orbital) available just prior to and/or during a natural or technological disaster. FEMA, NASA, and state emergency operations staff will participate in the system design and content. They will also be major users. In addition, local emergency preparedness and response groups or organizations will find the system of value.
3. The "Remote sensing-assisted Hazardous Waste Site Monitoring SDSS" will be designed, evaluated, and hopefully adopted by Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency personnel. The hazardous waste site SDSS will also be of value to local agencies should any of the thousands of hazardous waste sites be compromised by terrorist activities.

We anticipate that participation in the ESIP federation and SEEDS will help us to learn the most effective ways to:

1. communicate our results
2. share spatial information
3. educate the various groups about how to use and adapt the decision support systems we develop

Contributions to the Efforts and Mission of the Federation of Earth Sciences Information

Dr. Jensen, Dr. Hodgson, Dr. Cutter, and Dr. Cowen will participate in a variety of standing committees and cluster groups of the Federation. In particular, they have interest in the Community Engagement Committee since so much of what they do involves educating people about the existence of hazards, risk, and vulnerability. They plan to participate in the Education Committee to learn how to educate our user base more effectively. The three Decision Support Systems will be designed to function on as many platforms/software systems as possible, therefore they will participate in the Interoperability Committee. They are also interested in participating in the GIS Services and Intelligent Systems cluster groups as these activities are at the heart of their DSS development.