About the viewer: The Great Lakes Observations Viewer is one of two tools designed to deliver the latest observation data gathered around the Great Lakes basin. The Observations Viewer uses the same data sources as the Great Lakes Station Viewer, but uses a different delivery tool and presents the data based on parameter of interest instead of station type. The Observations Viewer relies on Adobe Flash, one of the dominant technologies for delivering sophisticated animations and customized products over the Internet. The basic nature of the data format used to deliver Flash-based applications makes it an excellent tool for building a sophisticated internet-based map viewer.

Known strengths: Thanks to Adobe Flash, the GLOS DMAC team has been able to create a sophisticated user interface to a number of hydrometeorological parameters for the Great Lakes. The user has control over map adjustment tools and some display preferences that other interfaces cannot provide. In addition, the map features themselves are displayed using complex graphics and map symbols. Currently, the GLOS-DMAC development team is refining the process of importing WMS layers into the Flash viewer. The customizations made possible by Adobe Flash toolkit allow a sophisticated look and feel that may be valuable when trying to meet the requirements of specific user communities.

Known weaknesses and future directions: Flash development of this type requires input from several types of specialists, including both GIS and data experts and experienced Flash programmers. The current conditions displayed in this viewer may be 24 hours old or more. No linkages currently exist to archives of historic observations, one of the capabilities the GLOS DMAC development team would like to explore.