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Research paper−35−Synthesiology - English edition Vol.2 No.1 pp.35-44 (Jun. 2009) GEO Grid[2]-[4] is a system and a concept that enables users to handle integrated processing and analysis of geographical information system data as well as various observation data located in distributed environments, by large-scale archiving and high-speed processing of earth observation satellite data using grid technology. Its objective is to provide an environment where research communities and companies can safely and securely use diverse data and make the acquired computation for earth observation. The plan is to promote information integration of geological and satellite information owned by AIST, to promote further integration of this data with a broad range of earth observation information, and also to promote active international cooperation, particularly focusing on advanced use of these resources in Asia. Considering the trend for international standardization, the aim is to maintain international interoperability of all of the information systems and data.GEO Grid is an example of E-Science. There are many other areas where technological development may be greatly accelerated through E-Science, such as the bio information field for promoting efficient drug discovery using bio information databases, or the medical field for developing next-generation medical diagnosis systems utilizing medical databases and systems to support cancer diagnosis through the use of large-scale medical image databases.Although most of the basic technologies of the grid have achieved the level of practical use, they have not yet been put to wide use due to the following reasons. The grid was originally born in the field of high-performance computation, and is thus seen as “technology for conducting large-scale computation using 1 IntroductionRecently, with the advancement of network technology and the diffusion of network infrastructure, there is active research in E-Science, which is a research methodology enabling science and technology to promote new discoveries and new fields in transdisciplinary research, by using various resources such as high-performance computer connected to high-speed networks, databases, large-scale storage devices, and various kinds of experimental devices. The grid[1] is a technology in which various resources that are connected by high-speed networks are combined safely, actively, and flexibly. It is expected to become the infrastructure technology that supports E-Science. About 10 years have passed since the term “grid” was first used, and the R&D in the elemental technology acquired for the grid has been rapidly progressing. The grid is now in the transition phase from demonstration experiment to practical use.In addition, there is increased focus on earth observation for environmental issues, including global warming, forecast of and countermeasures for disasters such as earthquakes and floods, and exploration for natural resources. In these fields, it is necessary to conduct data analysis and simulation by referencing various data, including satellite data, sensor data, and geological maps, owned by several different organizations. It is not easy to conduct analysis by sorting through multiple databases while adhering to the different policies of the organizations that own the data. Development of a system that enables this easily has been greatly anticipated. The solution to this problem could certainly be realized using the grid, and therefore, the R&D for the GEO (Global Earth Observation) Grid was set into action.- Design and implementation of the GEO Grid -Yoshio TanakaInformation Technology Research Institute, AIST Tsukuba Central 2, Umezono 1-1-1, Tsukuba 305-8568, Japan E-mail : yoshio.tanaka@aist.go.jp Received original manuscript October 16,2008, Revisions received December 21,2008, Accepted December 21,2008In this paper, we report on the design and implementation of the GEO (Global Earth Observation) Grid IT infrastructure as an example of E-Science. Using Grid technologies, the GEO Grid provides an IT infrastructure that integrates wide varieties of data sets and computing services for the Earth science community. This paper presents an example of Grid-based E-Science and its application to a wide range of scientific communities. A methodology for system development based on many different software components is also discussed. How Grid enables E-Science?Keywords : Grid, GEO Grid, E-Science, middleware, software design [Translation from Synthesiology, Vol.2, No.1, p.32-41 (2009)]

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