WP2 – Standardisation and interoperability Sample Clauses

WP2 – Standardisation and interoperability. Objectives: There are many good reasons to introduce standards for installing and operating ocean observatory systems. For instance standards allow for easy interchange of individual instruments between different installations and platforms. The depth and extent of the standardisation process depends on the needs of the users and the technical feasibility. The process should begin at the sensor level as this will ensure the seamless integration of the information flow originating from a multitude of sensor systems, in quantity and quality. In present observation systems with limited number of instruments it is always possible to individually integrate and match each instrument into the systems. With the future heterogeneous, dynamic changing ocean observatory systems in mind this is no longer a practical concept. A modular approach with each module possessing defined, standardised software and hardware interfaces has to be established. In contrast to terrestrial systems underwater observatories are not easily accessible and servicing can prove difficult. A similar planning and logistic effort, as seen in space sciences, needs to be implemented for these observatories. This is the main reason for having standards, as instruments can be tested and integrated in a defined procedure before deployment. It lends itself to the concept of introducing quality management or mission assurance procedures. Standards make interoperability possible which not only means interchange-ability of instruments but that the collected information is comprehensible for all subsequent data processing units. The sensor information must be accompanied with an exhaustive description of the data in the form of standardised metadata schemes. In other words the standards on a lower level should be translatable to a higher level as for instance has presently been put on track with Sensor ML and IEEE-1451. This will then provide a base to make the data available for automated information retrieval. On top of that schemes of sensor information metadata will facilitate the interoperability in particular under the aspect that information from different observatory sites have to be integrated into a common system. Last but not least the standardisation processes are expected to generate added value and benefits in an economic context: - Enhanced product quality and reliability - Reduction in costs - Increased efficiency and ease of maintenance - Simplify and improve usability - Greater compati...