COVERAGE Data Viewer: A Generalized Web-Based Tool for Integrated Visualization of Oceanographic Satellite and In-Situ Data

The COVERAGE Data Viewer provides a unique and advanced web-based tool for integrated, dynamic visualization of satellite and in-situ data of various types. Developed under the CEOS Ocean Variables Enabling Research and Applications for GEO (COVERAGE) project with prior NASA/ACCESS program support, the Data Viewer is based on JPL's Open Source Common Mapping Client (CMC) software framework and provides a well-rounded visualization capability for ocean data. Novel features of this highly interactive data visualization interface include tightly synchronized horizontal and vertical views of data and their evolution over time, with flexible control of time stepping intervals. The integrated dataset Search capability included allows filtering and selection of available data layers by spatio-temporal extents, project, platform, sensor, and measurement variable criteria. A “One-stop” interactive data sub-setting capability for both satellite and in-situ data is also included, and prototype integrations with external analytics services have also been implemented together with other novel features. In this paper we provide further details of the Data Viewer software's functionality, design, and backend service architecture. We also illustrate the extensive range of NASA oceanographic field campaign datasets and other collections that have successfully been integrated in the Viewer, further indicating its general utility as a visualization tool for interdisciplinary marine applications.