What We Do

observing platforms: buoys, sensors, gauges, AUVsWe coordinate users, collectors, and providers of Great Lakes data at various scales to identify needs for data, information, and products; identify gaps; and avoid duplication. (Outreach)

We represent the Great Lakes in a global community that establishes technology standards to improve data management and exchange. (Data Management)

We enhance the region’s network of observing and monitoring activities. (Observations) 

We provide data services to support the region’s needs for data, modeling, and other data tools or products. (Products and Tools)

 

The Great Lakes Observing System is a coordinated network of people, equipment and technology working together to provide data about the Great Lakes in a variety of formats and applications. GLOS organizes its work into four main areas:

 

Outreach and Education

GLOS strives to make sure our work meets the information needs of the data users across the region.  The feedback from these stakeholders is systematically and routinely integrated into GLOS program planning and evaluation. The group of GLOS staff, members and partners responsible for planning, directing, and implementing activities related to user outreach is known as the Outreach Subsystem. This Subsystem will:

  • Coordinate the user engagement, needs assessment, GLOS promotion, education and training.
  • Collaborate with other GLOS subsystems to identify regional needs and facilitate the development of decision-support models, products and related services.
  • Build GLOS membership and partner engagement through effective communications and project coordination.

To participate in the Outreach Subsystem meetings and projects contact: Sara Maples at smaples@glos.us

 

Data Management

GLOS provides IOOS and other international standards-based data management services to help improve access to data and make it easier to use for a variety of different purposes. The protocols and processes by which data are retrieved, standardized, stored, and delivered are known as Data Management and Communications (DMAC). The group of GLOS staff, members and partners responsible for planning, directing, and implementing activities related to data management and communications is known as the DMAC Subsystem. The DMAC Subsystem:

  • Coordinates and facilitates the distribution of data and information to and from other GLOS subsystems, to and from other observing systems, and to end users at all levels.
  • Collaborates with other GLOS Subsystems to engage users and develop customized products that will provide them with the data and information they need in a format that is both easy to access and user friendly.
  • Promote regional and national data interoperability by evaluating, recommending, documenting, developing, and implementing data quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures, standards, services and serve as the liaison to the IOOS national level DMAC and with other relevant data standardization organizations.

To participate in DMAC meetings and projects or to learn more about how you can contribute data to GLOS contact: Kelli Paige at kpaige@glos.us

 

Observations

There are many government agencies, academic institutions, and others collecting data on the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the Great Lakes to help improve our understanding and management. GLOS works to help coordinate these activities where possible and fill critical gaps in data collection for the priority data needs of the region. The group of GLOS staff, members and partners responsible for planning, directing, and implementing activities related to observations is known as the Observations Subsystem. This Subsystem:

  • Coordinates the observing activities for GLOS, representing a variety of observation platforms, observing agencies and organizations, and geographic regions.
  • Works with partners and other GLOS Subsystems to develop data collection protocols (e.g., QA/QC), identify and meet observing needs, and facilitate the development of decision-support models, products and related services.

To participate in Observations Subsystem meetings and projects or to learn more about how you can
contribute to the GLOS observing network contact: Kelli Paige at kpaige@glos.us

 

Data Products and Tools

Data can be used in a variety of ways to help us better understand current state of our environment, predict future conditions, and make better decisions about how to manage the Great Lakes. GLOS works in a variety of ways to help develop the products and tools that help analyze, visualize, and deliver data. GLOS works with partners to:

  • Coordinate the development and use of predictive and assessment models and similar tools to meet priority needs for resource managers and other decision makers. An example of this is our work with the Lake Michigan Ecosystem Modeling and Forecasting Working Group.
  • Collaborate with other GLOS subsystems to identify needs and lead development of priority data delivery products and tools.
  • Where resources are available, GLOS will lead development of competitive solicitations to develop models, data access tools, and data visualization products to meet the needs of specific stakeholder groups in the region. 

To participate in the Lake Michigan ecosystem modeling and forecasting working group or to learn more about the data products and tools we are developing contact: Sara Maples at smaples@glos.us