2 October 2002
2002 CODATA Conference
Technology-related Data Issues
nThere is a wide disparity in technological capabilities for SRB-related data and information management and use.
nThere is a need to have a standardized, modern, cartographic GIS as a tool to integrate the diverse data resources in support of various decision making and policy formation activities, both for the SRB and for many other applications and geographic areas. 
nOther computational tools are needed to model and assess agricultural, environmental, and hydrological processes. 
•There is a wide disparity in technological capabilities for SRB-related data and information management and use.  This was made clear from the two site visits that were made by the workshop participants.  Although the personnel in the OMVS Documentation Center had the expertise to meet substantially higher technology standards, they lacked most basic information technology capabilities, including Internet connectivity.  Effective Internet links will be essential for deriving maximum benefits from distributed digital data holdings.
•There is a need to have a standardized, modern, cartographic GIS as a tool to integrate the diverse data resources in support of various decision making and policy formation activities, both for the SRB and for many other applications and geographic areas.
•Other computational tools are needed to model and assess agricultural, environmental, and hydrological processes.  Many of the key data sets are available and so are the techniques for modeling and simulation.  The main hurdle, as with many other needed improvements, is a lack of money rather than the requisite technology or expertise.