OGC netCDF-CF: a powerful tool for Earth Sciences

n order to unleash the full potential of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), better interoperability is needed between traditional GIS and tools used for what we sometimes refer to as the "fluid Earth systems" or FES, which pertains mostly to oceanography and atmospheric sciences. The challenge is to enable practitioners in each realm to continue using the powerful tools available through their traditional applications while allowing for integration of data and applications between the two by means of standard, web -based interfaces. A powerful tool known as "netCDF" helps bridge the gap.