HomeNews
This page provides general news announcements and updates related to the Marine Geoscience Data System. Please visit the What's New pages for each Data Portal to learn about newly available data sets.
- Portal News:
- Antarctic
- Ridge 2000
- MARGINS
- Global Bathymetry
- Seismic Reflection
2010
March 2010
The Ridge 2000 MediaBank contributes content to an article about the sounds of Hydrothermal Vents on the website Discovery of Sound in the Sea"
January 2010
High-resolution sidescan sonar mosaics created by the Waitt Institute for Discovery during their Search for Ameila Earhart were made available in GeoMapApp. Comprehensive metadata and data files have also been made available through MGDS, and can be downloaded directly by exploring the corresponding cruise pages: SJ0901, and SJ0902.
Detailed information for using GeoMapApp in the Classroom is now available.
2009
December 2009
GeoMapApp version 2.3 was launched, and information about GeoMapApp At Sea was made available.
MGDS shares a booth with the Ridge 2000 Program in the exhibit hall of the AGU Fall Meeting in San Fransisco.
October 2009
Recent activity at the MARGINS Data Portal includes CHIRP and sidescan data from Gulf of California cruise BI-01, as well as field program information for the Nankai Kumano Basin 3-D multi-channel seismics cruise and several programs at the Central America focus site. For details of these and other additions, see the MARGINS What's New page.
September 2009
From the Ridge 2000 Data Portal, web galleries of ABE near-bottom images from Lau Basin Cruise KM0417, basic cruise data and sample inventories for MAR cruise KNOX18RR and Lau Cruise MGL0902, and temperature data from Microbial Incubators deployed at JdF are now available. For more information see What's New for Ridge 2000.
August 2009
MGDS contributes to the production of a 2 hour documentary called Drain the Ocean, to premiere in the U.S. on the National Geographic Channel at 9 PM on Sunday August 9, 2009. (credits)
Seismic data collected on Ewing cruises EW9707, East Pacific Rise ARAD 3D, and EW9914, Lau Basin, are now available through the Academic Seismic portal.
July 2009
GeoMapApp/MARGINS mini-lessons webinar held on-line with participants nationwide. Webinar is archived at SERC-Carleton.
New version of GeoMapApp, version 2, was released. This version includes a newly designed menu system with cascading and tear-off menus to facilitate exploration of a large assortment of ocean and terrestrial datasets. The new Layer Manager lists selected layers and enables re-ordering and rendering with variable transparency. Each layer has its own Info Button that displays data source and citation information as well as a Zoom Button to scale the dataset to the map window. Other new features include a Go To option that allows direct zooming to areas of interest, an Add Image Overlay option for importing georeferenced images, and Load KMZ functionality for importing Google Earth files. As always, new content is continually being added to GeoMapApp.
New marine field program metadata forms released.
June 2009
Seismic data from two more 2008 Langseth cruises MGL0814, St. Elias Erosion project in the Gulf of Alaska, and MGL0804, TICO-CAVA Leg 1, have been added to the Field Data Center, bringing to 9 the number of cruises of seismic field data made available through the Academic Seismic portal so far this year. For complete information, see the Seismic What's New page.
May 2009
Basic cruise information and many datasets have been added to the database for 2008 and 2009 LMGould and NBPalmer cruises in the Antarctic region.
For the MARGINS Central America focus site, field program information is now available for the land seismometer operations of the Holbrook-van Avendonk-Lizarralde-Cheadle TICO-CAVA program, along with information for the second-leg OBS operations cruise on New Horizon (March 2008, chief scientist Gregg). Expendable probe data (XBT, XCTD) has been added for TICO-CAVA cruise MGL0807. For Papua New Guinea focus site cruises VANC22MV and VANC23MV (early 2004, chief scientist Driscoll), hull-mounted and towed CHIRP data is now available.
Basic expedition information is now available for MARGINS-Ridge 2000 rapid response cruise to Northern Lau/Tonga (May 2009, chief scientists Resing and Embley).
New functionality added to MediaBank enabling users to download objects and collections for display in Google Earth.
April 2009
Further updates to GeoMapApp's seismic data browsing capabilities included access to geographically-linked images of processed lines from EW0207, EW9102, EW9903, and EW9914. This brings to 55 the number of processed seismic datasets available for browsing.
The Ridge2000-related Final Fluid Chemistry data from Lau Basin cruise TUIM05MV, the EPR rapid response cruise (TCS06NH) and Fluid Chemistry and Temperature data from INSECT measurements at Lau and EPR have been contributed to the database. TowCam webgalleries from the East Pacific Rise 9N cruise (AT15-27) and from the East Pacific Rise Overlapping Spreading Center cruise (AT15-17) are now available. For more information and many other additions, see the Ridge 2000 What's New page.
March 2009
Paper describing the tiling method and procedures used for creating and serving the GMRT (Ryan et al., 2009) was published in Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems.
Final photomosaics and Fluid Chemistry data from Lau Basin were received as were Geochemistry data derived from sulfide samples, Helium data derived from rock and from water column samples, and Galapagos EM300 and DSL-120A data. Preliminary (relative) Po age data related to the 2005-06 EPR eruption(s) and EPR Sediment Flux data have been submitted. For details see the Ridge 2000 What's New page.
February 2009
Ridge2000-related data additions include High Resolution Bathymetry and Sidescan grids and the earthquake catalog from TAG cruises.
Highlights from the MARGINS portal include field information for Doug Wiens' 2003 Izu Bonin Mariana terrestrial seismometer field program plus images of IBM volcanoes added to the MediaBank gallery. Information about Susan Schwartz and Tim Dixon's 1999-2008 Central America seismic and geodetic field programs is now updated and consolidated into the CRSEIZE and Nicoya projects.
January 2009
From the Ridge2000 program, Fluid Chemistry data from EPR was submitted by George Luther.
In the Antarctic, multibeam data is now available for 2008 Palmer cruises: NBP0801, NBP0802, NBP0803, NBP0804, and NBP0805.
2008
December 2008
As part of a major Pacific Ocean update of the bathymetry tiles (GMRT), multibeam data from 27 Scripps cruises was added. Multibeam data from 3 Southern Ocean cruises were added to the South Polar tileset.
MARGINS-related images were added to the MediaBank gallery, including images from the MARGINS Decadal Review research Nuggets.
November 2008
Of interest in the Antarctic region, a kml-format file for accessing R/V N.B.Palmer ship tracks in Google Earth is now available. To download kml file, click here (http://www.marine-geo.org/services/cpkmz?search=NBP). To access cruise information, on a PC click on track while holding "Ctrl" on keyboard, on a Mac click the "Apple" key. To link to complete cruise information, click on cruise name.
October 2008
Recent updates to the Global Multi-Resolution Topography tileset include high quality multibeam data from nearly 60 Scripps cruises in all areas of the Pacific Ocean and data from JAMSTEC in the vicinity of Japan.
September 2008
MARGINS database resources demonstrated at SEIZE initiative workshop (Mt. Hood, Oregon).
August 2008
GeoMapApp version 1.7.8 released. This version includes several upgrades including new functionality to export grids as Fledermaus files, a new custom interface for Drilling - DSDP/ODP/BRG, and a new main menu button that enables easy map-based access to contributed grids.
July 2008
Newly designed MGDS website launched.
Virtual Ocean launched. Virtual Ocean integrates the GeoMapApp tool suite and the NASA World Wind 3-D earth browser to create a powerful new platform for interdisciplinary research and education.
MGDS to co-sponsor a session at the Fall AGU Meeting in San Francisco focusing on tools that access interoperable databases, enable quantitative analyses, and lead to new scientific insight. This session seeks to highlight existing tools, science applications, lessons learned, and directions for future development.
June 2008
GeoMapApp 1.7.0 now available. This is a major release that includes a new North Polar stereographic projection map view for accessing Arctic related datasets and a new Custom viewer for focal mechanism solutions of the Global Central Moment Tensor Catalog. Underway geophysical data from the entire Scripps collection can now be accessed under the Custom Viewers -> Bathymetry, Gravity and Magnetics Profiles. A digitizer has been added to the MCS interface and a major revision of the Drillling-ODP/DSDP interface now provides access to sediment properties data.
Major updates for South Polar users include new capability to import grids from your own desktop (ascii) and access a variety of datasets through the General Viewers -> Layers interface. New gridded compilations now available include the British Antarctic Survey BEDMAP grids, regional compilations including the Admundsson Sea grid of Nitsche et al. 2007, and Ross Sea compilation of Davey et al. among others. The LIMA imagery of the Antarctic continent available through the USGS web map service can now be accessed and explored (from main menu select View -> Basemaps). See version 1.7.0 development history for full details on new capabilities.
May 2008
GeoMapApp featured in a CNN segment about the Myanmar cyclone.
The MediaBank was launched as a new resource for high quality images, illustrations, animations and videos for the research community and for education and outreach. Media can be sorted by category, and keyword and map-based search options are provided. Each item in the MediaBank is accompanied by metadata that provides access into our cruise catalog and data repository.
March 2008
GeoMapApp 1.6.6 released. New release includes changes to the grid dialog to improve usability. Options added to import GEODAS GRD98 formatted (.g98) files. The color Scale tool now adjusts colors and labels based on the currently loaded grid. Minor improvements in the subbottom profile viewers for MCS, SCS and radar data.
Attended the MARGINS S2S initiative education mini-lessons workshop, during the Ocean Sciences meeting in Orlando, Florida.
February 2008
GeoMapApp version 1.6.4 released. Pan function added; ability to import and save grids in GMT v3 and v4 NetCDF formats. Profiles can be taken across all imported and high-resolution grids. Interface for Multi-Channel Seismics and for downloading swath ping files improved.
Attended the SERC workshop Teaching with New Geoscience Tools: Visualizations, Models, and Online Data at UMass Amherst, highlighting the MARGINS database and GeoMapApp.
2007
October 2007
GeoMapApp version 1.6.2 released. Includes improved interfaces for multi- and single-channel seismics and digitizer operations. Graphing tool for imported data tables refined. Lasso tool improved. John Hall's archive of Arctic sea bottom photos added. Multibeam swath file download interface updated.
MGDS-GfG booth in the exhibition hall, and lunchtime workshop at the Fall GSA meeting in Denver.
September 2007
The interface for Create Maps and Grids now uses Google Maps functionality to access the MGDS Global Multi-Resolutional Topography (GMRT).
The MGDS group hosted at Lamont the XXIII meeting of the GEBCO Technical Sub-Committee on Ocean Mapping (TSCOM).
August 2007
New audio-visual tutorials added for GeoMapApp.
Compilation Google Earth files for Lau and EPR ISSs have been generated and posted R2K_GoogleEarth. Files include bathymetry and sidescan coverage with overlain vehicle navigation tracks and links to near bottom imagery. Stations and sample locations can also be viewed in Google Earth.
July 2007
GeoMapApp version 1.6.0 released. Alternative base maps loaded using a Web Map Service; imported data tables exported as Google Earth KMZ files and scaled by colour and size. Lasso tool allows selection of points; tabular data can be sorted. Individual swath bathymetry data files now identified and linked to data download web page. Multi-Channel Seismics, PetDB and DSDP/ODP interfaces improved.
June 2007
The MGDS Global Multi-Resolutional Topography (GMRT) can now be viewed in Google Earth directly through our Web Map Service with faster loading and viewing performance. Download GMRT.kmz and launch in Google Earth to explore.
May 2007
New color palettes for grid functions and improved user interface added to 1.5.6 GeoMapApp release.
International Data Exchange Workshop was held in Kiel, Germany, and was attended by over 70 participants from around the world. The workshop focused on developing new international partnerships and strategies for improved data sharing for mid-ocean ridge and continental margin studies, and was co-sponsored by Ridge2000, MARGINS, InterMargins, and InterRidge.
April 2007
A searchable menu tool and an upgraded and expanded WFS interface added to GeoMapApp. Direct WFS connections now available to station and physical sample feature information (including instruments, cores, dredges, borehole logs, earthquake catalogues, and so on) at IRIS, UNAVCO, NGDC, LDEO-BRG, PETDB and MGDS.
February 2007
Major new release of GeoMapApp (1.5.0) with simplifications and updates to the user interface. Options to import a variety of data types from the user's desktop including data tables, grids, and shapefiles can now be accessed under the File menu. Release includes a new option under the File menu to import data through an OGC-compliant Web Feature Service (WFS).
At present the beta-WFS serves station information for the MARGINS Gulf of California Focus Site. Similar station information for the R2K ISS will be added in the coming months.
2006
December 2006
Interoperability project GEOWS with IRIS and UNAVCO presented at fall AGU meeting. As part of project IRIS, UNAVCO and MGDS have established a beta-version OGC-compliant Web Service for station information from their data holdings for the MARGINS Gulf of California Focus Site. In the coming year, station information for the Ridge2000 ISS will also be made available via a Web Feature Service.
MGDS booth in the exhibition hall at the Fall AGU meeting in San Francisco.
October 2006
In GeoMapApp, a new interface to marine gravity, magnetics, bathymetry data provides access to the full NGDC GMT holdings along with the capability to download the MGD77 files.
August 2006
Password protection option for accessing data within the database is now available. Data contributors can request this option when they contribute data.
Legacy single channel seismic project completed. A total of 415 legs of legacy SCS profiles spanning the global ocean can now be viewed in GeoMapApp.
July 2006
Major new release of GeoMapApp v1.4.2, which includes significant reorganization of the user interface as well as improved functionality. See the what's new page for details on new updates.
June 2006
Major effort begun to complete adding all remaining legacy analog single channel seismic profiles from the LDEO archives into GeoMapApp. New seismic lines will automatically appear in the coming months as they are added.
May 2006
Beta release of Global Multi-Resolution Topography (GMRT) available for viewing in Google Earth. Download a kml file, launch Google Earth and browse and zoom on the available seafloor bathymetry.
March 2006
New search capability now available. In addition to the ability to search by geographic area, ISS, investigator and cruise ID, you can now search by the full list of data types or device types cataloged in the database. Use these search options to find out where the selected data type has been collected and to download any data files available in the database.
Many new data sets now available for exploring through the Databases menu in GeoMapApp. Select Import Data -> Load -> File -> Browse DataBases -> Global.
February 2006
Many new Help pages added to GeoMapApp.
January 2006
GeoMapApp v1.3.0 released with new automatic focus as well as new features in the Import Data option on the Databases menu. Caution: after you load a grid in GeoMapApp the automatic focus will also automatically load a new grid each time you zoom and pan. Dispose of grid before zooming for best performance.
2005
December 2005
Booth in Exhibition Hall at Fall AGU meeting features the Marine Geoscience Data System.
Layers Tool in GeoMapApp now includes folders for each R2K ISS with select site specific data sets (map and station data) included. As new map data are submitted they will be included in these folders.
November 2005
Updated metadata forms package (version 3.5) is now available incorporating latest upgrades.
October 2005
New option in GeoMapApp to save images as ".kmz" files for viewing in Google Earth. With this option, use GeoMapApp to dynamically generate a map of area of interest, save image as .kmz file to your desktop and then open with Google Earth.
Web Map Service (WMS) beta service now available for live access to our Global Multi-Resolution Topography. WMS is a standard for web-services, proposed by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). Web Map Service enables web-based creation of maps from raster and vector datasets. The generated maps can be visualized by common web-browsers and/or OGC-enabled client applications.
New options are now available within Data Link's Map View display;
1. Beta version of new option in Map View to view global bathymetry (Global DEM option). Users can zoom in to display higher resolution bathymetry. Beta version has problem with map display at +/-180° longitude which affects maps for Lau Basin region.
2. Query function (under Mode button) now available within Map View links to further information on cruise/dive survey tracks or station information.
September 2005
An ISO 19115-compliant profile for cruise metadata has been developed for use as a REST-based web service.
July 2005
Web-based "Map View" tool is now available to display cruise/dive tracks and borders/coastlines on world map with pan/zoom capability. It is based on open source MapServer GIS software.
A new version of GeoMapApp (1.2_08) includes access to Alvin dive photos and a prototype GIS layer interface. An interface to DSDP data has also been added.
April 2005
New forms for reporting cruise information are now available for downloading. These forms are designed to capture who, what, when, where a cruise as well as inventories of all data collected, line logs, deployed instrument information, station, and sample logs.
2004
December 2004
New website launched providing simplified access to all database projects and tools of the Marine Geoscience Data System.
Booth for Data Management System within Exhibition Hall at Fall AGU. Article on the DMS published in December 21 issue of EOS.
September 2004
Release of GeoMapApp 1.2 with several new features. Data sources for topography data in map view now dynamically displayed including acknowledgement of nation of origin. New Import Data option available. Option permits users to import their own data tables (text and Excel) and display on bathymetry data, including color coding and symbol scaling based on data values.
Cruise web pages now linked to PI project web sites and instrument web pages where available.
July 2004
New capability to display crustal age along seismic profiles available with Single Channel Seismic option in GeoMapApp. Ages are sampled along seismic tracklines from the global digital age model developed by Mueller, et al.
Reorganization of the web pages for the Ridge2000 and MARGINS Data Portals, the Ridge Multibeam Bathymetry Synthesis, Antarctic Multibeam Bathymetry Synthesis, and Seismic Field Data Center into a central site for all projects of the MGDS.
MGDS Advisory Committee Meeting July 19-20.
Ridge 2000 Data Management System Teacher's Workshop July 22-24 hosted at Lamont.
May 2004
Images and grids of Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data for Africa, Arabia, Madagascar, and islands in the W. Indian Ocean have been added to the global topography database available through GeoMapApp.
Old single channel seismic data from R/V Vema, Conrad and Eltanin expeditions continue to be georeferenced and made available thru GeoMapApp to expand global coverage.
March 2004
New options for custom coloring topography data added in GeoMapApp. Options also available for creating a three-dimensional perspective view of topography.
Release of beta version of metadata forms for capturing basic cruise information and data inventories. Forms distributed to PIs of upcoming Ridge2000 expeditions.
Multibeam bathymetry data at NGDC for the MARGINS focus site areas are now incorporated into global topography grids as well as trackline gravity and magnetics data.
New options for custom coloring topography data available in GeoMapApp. Options also available for creating a three-dimensional perspective view of topography.
Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) topography for N. and S. America and Eurasia is now accessible through GeoMapApp. High-resolution land topography can be rendered with the custom coloring and 3D perspective view tools.
January 2004
All bathymetry data from original Ridge Multibeam Bathymetry Synthesis site now fully integrated with MGDS.
2003
December 2003
Beta web site for the Ridge2000 Data Portal now online.
October 2003
Seismic Reflection Data System project begins.
September 2003
Ridge 2000 Data System and MARGINS Data System are funded and development begins.
June 2003
GeoMapApp is further developed. Begin incorporating single channel seismic data from the Southern Oceans collected during legacy expeditions of the R/V Eltanin, Vema and Conrad. Demo viewer developed for radar data from Lake Vostok contributed by Bell and Studinger.
May 2003
Beta web site for the Antarctic Multibeam Bathymetry Synthesis established.
GeoMapApp now available to browse a limited bathymetry data set in south Polar Projection. Limited capability to view other datasets including trackline geophysical data.
January 2003
Antarctic Multibeam Bathymetry Synthesis project is funded and begins development.