An Analysis of the Seasat Satellite Data Distribution System

A real-time oceanographic information system has been designed and implemented for commercial user evaluation as part of the Seasat Project. The users are members of the maritime community involved in a diversity of oceanic enterprises. This system development serves as a testbed for understanding and refining their requirements for advanced oceanographic information delivery systems. It is configured as a virtual star network with a PDP 11/60 host computer located in Monterey, California, at the center. All of the data products now available on the system are generated by the U.S. Navy Fleet Numerical Oceanographic Central (FNOC) and are transferred to the PDP 11/60 shortly after preparation. Users access the data products through peripheral nodes of the network including CRT graphics, fascimile receivers, or local computers. The system users, distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada, receive the data over a value-added network or high-speed computer-to-computer links. Data products are transmitted to ships at sea via datafax.