Preface
XXI
This is why the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) are so important in the
IGBP program. The concept of GIS, born in the 1970's, was really only accepted
15 years later.
New ways have been introduced for taking into account the dynamics of
geographical problems on different scales, and tools have been developed recently
integrating new systems in data acquisition, transfer and exchange, data analysis,
integration and modeling. In associating 2-D and 3-D graphical representation of
multi thematic approaches, a GIS gives the representation of the dynamics of the
Earth through images, data and texts.
During the 80's in the field of IGBP, it appeared absolutely necessary to promote
the combined use of data collected from ground, marine and aircraft stations
together with remotely sensed data. This is now widely used as illustrated in the
chapter "Space and Earth remote sensing: GIS application to environmental impact
studies" .
This implies the need to locate existing data and information, not an easy task in
the world of databases. Since the beginning of the 90's, INTERNET has improved
data exchange and integration. Such an approach supposes the combined use of
computer techniques and multimedia tools. These aspects are discussed in the
chapter" Accessing Geoenvironmental data: from on-line to expert systems".
To protect our environment, it is necessary to clean waste gases reducing the
emission of toxic impurities. Conventional industry and eco-industry have to
reduce their impact on the environment, while the Offices for Environment
protection must control the levels of pollution and the evolution of technical
methods for promoting a new era of sustainable development. Ecotoxicological
research has to be developed on the basis of valid data. The chapter on "Ecotoxicological issues" discusses these aspects.
Consideration of the Earth's environment means studying the issue of sustainable
development at different geographic and subject levels in order to include all its
multidisciplinary aspects in terms of research and education, research and
industrial development, administration and policy. CODATA which is specialized
in collecting, validating and standardizing information exchange, can play a major
role in this debate.
For instance, the sea level survey is one of the important measurements in the
Global warming survey. A database on the evolution of sea water density, sea
temperature and ice sheet melting is absolutely necessary in this field. But all the
measurements relating to sea level rise are based on a very poor network of
tidalmeter stations around the world. Measurement of the ozone hole mechanisms
is another important contribution to the global warming and greenhouse effect
survey. Human activities modify the atmospheric carbon dioxide rate and
contribute to an additional greenhouse effect. One question is what is and what
could be the role of the biosphere in the global ecological balance. The taxonomic
bases are the key for understanding the question of biodiversity in relation to
climatic changes (see chapter "Global atmospheric evolution: impact of anthropic
activities").
XXI
This is why the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) are so important in the
IGBP program. The concept of GIS, born in the 1970's, was really only accepted
15 years later.
New ways have been introduced for taking into account the dynamics of
geographical problems on different scales, and tools have been developed recently
integrating new systems in data acquisition, transfer and exchange, data analysis,
integration and modeling. In associating 2-D and 3-D graphical representation of
multi thematic approaches, a GIS gives the representation of the dynamics of the
Earth through images, data and texts.
During the 80's in the field of IGBP, it appeared absolutely necessary to promote
the combined use of data collected from ground, marine and aircraft stations
together with remotely sensed data. This is now widely used as illustrated in the
chapter "Space and Earth remote sensing: GIS application to environmental impact
studies" .
This implies the need to locate existing data and information, not an easy task in
the world of databases. Since the beginning of the 90's, INTERNET has improved
data exchange and integration. Such an approach supposes the combined use of
computer techniques and multimedia tools. These aspects are discussed in the
chapter" Accessing Geoenvironmental data: from on-line to expert systems".
To protect our environment, it is necessary to clean waste gases reducing the
emission of toxic impurities. Conventional industry and eco-industry have to
reduce their impact on the environment, while the Offices for Environment
protection must control the levels of pollution and the evolution of technical
methods for promoting a new era of sustainable development. Ecotoxicological
research has to be developed on the basis of valid data. The chapter on "Ecotoxicological issues" discusses these aspects.
Consideration of the Earth's environment means studying the issue of sustainable
development at different geographic and subject levels in order to include all its
multidisciplinary aspects in terms of research and education, research and
industrial development, administration and policy. CODATA which is specialized
in collecting, validating and standardizing information exchange, can play a major
role in this debate.
For instance, the sea level survey is one of the important measurements in the
Global warming survey. A database on the evolution of sea water density, sea
temperature and ice sheet melting is absolutely necessary in this field. But all the
measurements relating to sea level rise are based on a very poor network of
tidalmeter stations around the world. Measurement of the ozone hole mechanisms
is another important contribution to the global warming and greenhouse effect
survey. Human activities modify the atmospheric carbon dioxide rate and
contribute to an additional greenhouse effect. One question is what is and what
could be the role of the biosphere in the global ecological balance. The taxonomic
bases are the key for understanding the question of biodiversity in relation to
climatic changes (see chapter "Global atmospheric evolution: impact of anthropic
activities").