1. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.) Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans & Atmosphere | NOAA American Meteorological Society 86th Annual Meeting January 30 2006

2. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 2 Disclaimer This presentation includes forward-looking statements and projections, made in reliance on the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The company has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information and assumptions on which these statements and projections are based are current, reasonable, and complete. However, a variety of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this presentation, including, without limitation, changes in commodity prices for oil, natural gas, and power; general economic and weather conditions in geographic regions or markets served by this Corporation and its affiliates, or where operations of the company and its affiliates are located; the uncertainties associated with governmental regulation; the uncertainties associated with regulatory proceedings, appeals from regulatory proceedings, and any related litigation; political and currency risks associated with international operations of the company and its affiliates; inability to realize anticipated synergies and cost savings associated with mergers and acquisitions or restructurings on a timely basis; difficulty in integration of the operations of previously acquired companies; competition; the successful implementation of the Balance Sheet Enhancement Program and the Strategic Repositioning Plan; and other factors described in the company’s (and its affiliates’) Securities and Exchange Commission filings. While the company makes these statements and projections in good faith, neither the company nor its management can guarantee that anticipated future results will be achieved. Reference should be made to those filings for additional important factors that may affect actual results. The company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by the Company, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

3. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 3 Top Ten Challenges 10) Alphabet Soup 9) 8) 7) 6) 5) 4) 3) 2) 1)

4. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 4 10. Alphabet Soup

5. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 5 Top Ten Challenges 10) Alphabet Soup 9) Stove Pipes 8) 7) 6) 5) 4) 3) 2) 1)

6. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 6 9. Stove Pipes

7. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 7 9. Stove Pipes

8. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 8 Top Ten Challenges 10) Alphabet Soup 9) Stove Pipes 8) Integration 7) 6) 5) 4) 3) 2) 1)

9. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 9 8. Integration

10. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 10 Top Ten Challenges 10) Alphabet Soup 9) Stove Pipes 8) Integration 7) Architecture 6) 5) 4) 3) 2) 1)

11. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 11 7. What is a NOAA Observation System Architecture? NOAA approved new Target Architecture Observation System features and functions Expressed in terms of relationships, interfaces, processes (including business) and constraints Includes Three Components: The baseline architecture describes the current features and functions of NOAA’s Observation System. The target architecture describes the desired features and functions of NOAA’s future Observation System. An iterative process is used to move from the baseline architecture to the target architecture.

12. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 12 7. NOAA’s Observation System Target Architecture Target Architecture Principles: Utility Interoperability Flexibility Sustainability Affordability Coordinated with all appropriate partners (international & national)

13. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 13 Top Ten Challenges 10) Alphabet Soup 9) Stove Pipes 8) Integration 7) Architecture 6) Data Sharing 5) 4) 3) 2) 1)

14. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 14 6. Data Sharing: Global Cooperation GEOSS Data Sharing Principles: There will be full and open exchange of data, metadata, and products shared within GEOSS, recognizing relevant international instruments and national policies and legislation. All shared data, metadata, and products will be made available with minimum time delay and at minimum cost. All shared data, metadata, and products free of charge or no more than cost of reproduction will be encouraged for research and education.

15. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 15 Top Ten Challenges 10) Alphabet Soup 9) Stove Pipes 8) Integration 7) Architecture 6) Data Sharing 5) User Needs 4) 3) 2) 1)

16. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 16 5. User Needs

17. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 17 5. User Needs GEOSS Societal Benefits Disasters Health Energy Climate Water WeatherEcosystems AgricultureBiodiversity

18. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 18 Top Ten Challenges 10) Alphabet Soup 9) Stove Pipes 8) Integration 7) Architecture 6) Data Sharing 5) User Needs 4) Maximizing Benefits 3) 2) 1)

19. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 19 4. Maximizing Benefits How do we get the “biggest bang for the buck”? Prioritize needs based on benefits Target resources to highest priorities Leverage existing activities and investments Build GEOSS principles into planning of future systems

20. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 20 Top Ten Challenges 10) Alphabet Soup 9) Stove Pipes 8) Integration 7) Architecture 6) Data Sharing 5) User Needs 4) Maximizing Benefits 3) Communication 2) 1)

21. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 21 3. Communication The goal is to access and provide the right information, in the right format, at the right time, to the right people, to make the right decisions.

22. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 22 3. Communication Near Term Opportunities GEO-Netcast Global broadcast system for the delivery of data, products and services in support of all nine GEOSS societal benefit areas, including reducing loss of life and property from disasters. Web-based Portal System Common web-based portal system for access to all Earth observation data, with specific links designed to increase use, quality and accessibility of existing information tools and networks – could serve as the data base link to GEONETcast.

23. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 23 Top Ten Challenges 10) Alphabet Soup 9) Stove Pipes 8) Integration 7) Architecture 6) Data Sharing 5) User Needs 4) Maximizing Benefits 3) Communication 2) Data Management 1)

24. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 24 2. Data Management Challenges in Data Management Size: Managing exponentially growing data volume Metadata: Appropriately describing metadata to ensure long-term utility Standards/Protocols: Providing data in formats that enable integration Access: Providing clear and easy discovery of, and access to, data and information products At Risk Data Sets: Collecting data at risk to extend the environmental data record

25. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 25 2. Data Management Ongoing NOAA Efforts NOAA’s Integrated Global Observation & Data Management Plan—2005 Update Refined and updated observing system baseline architecture Performing gap analysis between observing requirements and observing capabilities Started investment analysis to determine efficient mix of observing systems to achieve requirements Established NOAA-wide data standards group Implementing Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS) web-based data archive and distribution system for NOAA’s environmental data

26. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 26 Top Ten Challenges 10) Alphabet Soup 9) Stove Pipes 8) Integration 7) Architecture 6) Data Management 5) Data Sharing 4) User Needs 3) Maximizing Benefits 2) Communication 1) Execution

27. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 27 1. Execution

28. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 28 1. Execution International Tsunami Warning System Proposed DART Buoy Expansion

29. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 29 1. Execution U.S. Announces Move of Geostationary Satellite

30. Challenges for NOAA in Integrating Earth Observations 30 1. Execution Air Quality System

31. Questions?