Global bathymetry & topography are two of the most extensively used types of scientific data for a wide variety of scientific, practical, & artistic applications. Global relief forms a framework for visualization of other types of data & information, and provides boundary conditions for environmental modelling.
Map from the IOC Marine Programme
Title
NOAA DOGS (Digital Optimization of Grid Systems)
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Description
The computer program DOGS (Digital Optimization of Grid Systems) can analyze a large set of bathymetric data and create from it a smaller set of optimized points describing the same geographic region. This smaller data set then can be used on its own as a representation of the area's bathymetry, or as input into other computer programs or Geographical Information Systems. NOAA OR&R oceanographers use DOGS data sets as input to hydrodynamic models that require information about the shape of the sea floor. The output from these models is then used as input into other models that predict the trajectory of pollutants, such as crude oil and refined products, spilled into the ocean.
