All of the means and mechanisms for data receipt, processing, storage, retrieval, and analysis. Information Systems can be designed for storage and dissemination of a variety of data products--including primary data sets and both intermediate and final analyses--and for an interface providing connections to external computers, external data banks, and system users. To be effective, the design and operation of an information system must be carried out in close association with the primary producers of the data sets, as well as other groups producing integrated analyses or intermediate products.

NASA Earth Observatory