A distributed information system for integrating operational data and product providers into the Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS) enterprise is presented through the ten-year Architecture Implementation Pilot. Northrop Grumman is responding to the challenge of implementing GEOSS capabilities by adding U.S. Global Earth Observing (USGEO) data providers through architecture development and scenario demonstrations, one of which is Disaster Response. The scenarios ensure responders align their efforts and add GEOSS components towards enhancing Societal Benefit Areas.

A six stage Disaster Management Cycle for hurricanes and flooding is executed for an event over the Port of Houston. The scenario is user driven and utilizes products derived from existing earth observing systems. The enterprise model for this hurricane and flooding scenario depicts an end-to-end approach to executing disaster response management. The centrality of the community portal in creating a coordinated disaster response cannot be overstated.

Northrop Grumman has reached interoperability agreements with multiple community data providers whose goal is to make their data and products integrated components of GEOSS. These organizations are working with Northrop Grumman to make their data and products discoverable and accessible, not only for the successful execution of the Disaster Response scenario, but as “persistent exemplars” within GEOSS. Northrop Grumman is providing services necessary to make data provided compliant with GEOSS open standards. As data and products of USGEO community members are integrated within GEOSS, the whole of GEOSS becomes much more than the sum of its individual components.