Zusammenfassung: Standard 0-group indices and distribution maps are now produced based on hand-drawn maps using AutoCad with some additional procedures. This paper briefly describes the method. The paper further describes ways of importing coastlines and survey data directly into standard computer programs such as AutoCad and SAS. Standard methods are used for gridding data, producing isolines and further calculation of abundance indices and presentation of distributions. Interactive editing of distribution maps are made, which makes corresponding automatic updating of indices possible.

Zusammenfassung: As the CoastWatch regional node for the Great Lakes, the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) is working to obtain and/or develop and deliver environmental data and products for near real-time monitoring of the Great Lakes to support environmental science and decision making. In support of this goal, GLERL is providing access to near real-time and retrospective satellite observations and in-situ data for the Great Lakes to Federal, state, and local agencies and academic institutions. There are currently nearly 40 regional CoastWatch users. The goals and objectives of the Great Lakes CoastWatch Program directly support agency statutory responsibilities in estuarine and marine science, living marine resource protection, and ecosystem monitoring and management. GLERL is currently receiving an enhanced digital image product suite of 26 images including satellite derived surface-temperature, visible and near-infrared reflectance, brightness temperatures, satellite and solar zenith angle data, and cloud masks from the NOAA-12 satellite. These products are downloaded from the NOAA Ocean Products Center (OPC) via INTERNET on a daily basis and archived at GLERL. Over 32,000 image products have been received and archived since becoming the Great Lakes CoastWatch Node in 1990. GOES-8 data is also currently being received.