This tutorial topic is designed to highlight the objectives of SptailData at UAS, a University of Alaska "Geographic Information Network of Alaska" (GINA) Node. For contact information, office location, and business hours, please visit the About Us webpage.
As one of six Geographic Information Network of Alaska (GINA) nodes, the Juneau based Spatial Data at UAS program provides data, maps, instruction, and information on spatial data technology to students, researchers, management agencies and the public. Spatial Data at UAS is a function of the UAS Environmental Science Program, is physically hosted by the Egan Library, and is virtually supported by UAS Information Services. Currently, Spatial Data at UAS is supporting datasets associated with cruise ship discharge, watershed delineation, glacial hydrology, and water-resources.
Coordination of data set development for multi-agency use
At present agencies in southeast Alaska have not adopted standards among themselves for data, meta-data, or for exchanging data sets. A regional data center can work to establish formatting and quality standards that ensure multi-agency use.
Access to applications
Many applications and potential applications for satellite imagery and other remote sensing data products remain essentially cloistered with the University. The data center can provide direct linkages to the developers of applications and models as well the output of those models. Many of the users of applications are agencies that are primarily based in communities throughout Alaska.
Data distribution
A data center is needed in southeast Alaska to assist both researchers and agencies bring their data to each other, whether as continuously updated real-time data or as hard-copy publications. Geo-spatial data in electronic form are very much living data: they are subject to constant revisions and additions. The data center monitors the currency of select data sets, and works to keep users current as well. In cases when the data are being continuously updated the center can coordinate direct links between producers and consumers.
Additionally, much of the gray literature and related data that is the final product of agency-based research tends to languish from lack of an appropriate distribution network. While much of this data is catalogued nationally, access to the data themselves can be challenging. A regional data center can identify the products that are of greatest local interest, formulate standards for meta-data, and help guide the paper or electronic publication.
Archival and repository functions
Some geo-spatial data sets are of sufficient local or regional value, or they may be needed by a large group of users, and will need a distinct location to be archived. An example of this would be Landsat 7 imagery, which is sold without restrictions on subsequent distribution. Many of the agencies and researchers that own the images are willing to share them on a non-profit basis. The data center is an appropriate home for data such as these.
Egan Library is a member of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). At present the Library lacks the equipment and expertise to fulfill the responsibilities mandated by FDLP with respect to spatial data. Spatial Data at UAS will satisfy this need.
Education and Training
The data center serves as a local clearinghouse for courses, workshops, internships, and training programs offered by the University or software vendors.
Public Outreach
The data center will serve the public by providing a public access terminal, software, and trained staff to assist the public in accessing and interpreting spatial data.
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