OGC netCDF: Powerful Tool for Science

In order to unleash the full potential of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), better interoperability is needed between the traditional GIS and those in a community we sometimes refer to as the "fluid Earth systems" or FES, which pertains mostly to oceanography and atmospheric sciences. This issue is becoming increasingly important as FES observations and forecasts achieve higher spatial resolutions -- less than a few kilometers -- of the GIS realm. 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" may bridge the gap.