Data and Information Management program

Learn more about the Commission's 2006 Projects (PDF, 667k)

Our goal
To provide the data, information and technical support processes needed for informed decisionmaking on a range of public policy issues.

What we do
The Data and Information Management Program promotes the development and application of decision support systems and procedures, including database systems, regional networks, information inventories, geographic information systems (GIS) and related tools. The program facilitates regional GIS coordination to benefit Great Lakes coastal wetlands studies, biological and hydrological monitoring programs, multimedia pollution studies, emergency response planning and regional water quantity and quality management.

• Great Lakes Observing System
  The Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) is being developed to integrate and provide critical real-time and historical data for multiple users, including resource managers, researchers, homeland security interests, the commercial shipping industry and the recreational boating community. GLOS is a regional node of NOAA’s national Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) initiative. Establishment of the GLOS Regional Association is being led by a steering committee in collaboration with more than 300 potential users of the system. GLOS will be established as a nonprofit organization in 2006, with the election of an inaugural board of directors. Outreach and education planning is also underway in collaboration with a newly funded Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE Great Lakes).

• Great Lakes Air Deposition Program: Support state efforts to identify and reduce atmospheric sources of toxic substances to the waters of the Great Lakes region through grant-funded research projects.
• Great Lakes Observing System: Manage the development of the Great Lakes portion of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), which provides critical real-time and historical data on lake conditions for multiple users.
• Inland Sensitivity Atlas: Produce digital maps detailing major pipelines and other transportation features, potential spill sources, water intakes and sensitive natural areas for use in responding to and preparing for hazardous spills and other emergencies.
• Lake Ontario St. Lawrence River Study: Produce information management tools for use in large-scale study of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River and adjacent ecosystems.
• Regional Toxic Air Emissions Inventory: Assemble periodic inventories of releases of toxic substances to the region’s air, using data supplied by the Great Lakes states and Ontario.