# Presentation: 852524

## Digitization of Marine Geophysical Records of Climate Change

- FY07 Continuation Proposal to CDMP for Funding
- from
-  NOAA/National Geophysical Data Center

**Notes:**
This is a continuation proposal submitted by NGDC to digitize our analog geophysical data so it can be accessed online along with our digital data. Data include mostly bathymetry and seismic data with some well log data and bottom photos.

## Progress during FY06:

- Testing completed on scanning images from:
- 35mm
- 16mm
- Large-format mylar

**Notes:**
First shipment of film and mylar went to Lason during May, 2006. Acceptable images were provided to NGDC from Lason on CD-ROM during June, August and Sept.

## Problems Encountered

- NGDC archives marine geophysical data as data profiles.
- These profiles range in length and the size causes problems.
- Contractor maximized memory and available disk space.
- Contractor upgraded to newer scanner with expanded capabilities.
**Problem Solved!**

**Notes:**
Some of the images on the microfilm were very long in length to permit the current software to save the file.  Additional testing was done after maximizing the memory on the computer and ensuring that maximal disk space was available.  The result was upgrading to a new scanner -- Wicks and Wilson RS325 film scanner.  The new scanner, with expanded capabilities, will scan and save the image at 300 dpi, which will produce a sufficient quality image when enlarged to original size

- Data used to determine country boundaries for offshore economic rights by UNCLOS.
- Microfilm is no longer the archival media of choice.
- Many universities and research facilities are excessing microfilm readers.
- Digital scans of the images are easily archived, maintained, and  posted online for wide access and distribution.

- Reasons to Continue

**Notes:**
These data, particularly the seismic reflection profiles, on the microfilm are very important in describing prior climates, are critical in determining offshore continental shelf boundaries (economic right limits) according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and are an essential component to exploration for offshore mineral resources.

Microfilm is reaching its technological end-of-life.  Many universities and research facilities are excessing and getting rid of their microfilm readers.

Online data access of digital files reaches a larger audience at lower cost with the digital files being easier and less costly to archive. 

## Reasons to Continue

- NGDC has large quantities of data to convert to digital images.
**	****Estimated Quantities:**
- 		190 reels of 16mm microfilm
- 		3085 reels of 35mm microfilm
- 		2220 large-scale sections
- Contractor has invested many hours in testing for this project; we are ready to move into production mode.
- Return on this investment depends on continuation.

**Notes:**
This years accomplishments have primarily been proof of concept and establishing mutually agreeable protocols, standards, requirements, formats, resolutions, and exchange procedures.  The return on this investment can only be reaped with the continuation on to mass production scanning and digitizing of these records, which are critical to climate studies, territorial sea issues, and offshore mineral exploration.