Ocean observation is one of the fundamental pillars in understanding the Earth's system, with the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, I.P. (IPMA) standing out as a reference in the collection of marine data. Regular, systematic, and continuous observations are essential for monitoring meteorological and oceanographic parameters and is the only way to detect patterns and trends at various spatiotemporal scales.
In this context, the WEAREATLANTIC platform emerges, representing an observational ocean research infrastructure. Its goal is to aggregate and provide data and information from IPMA and other entities working in the Atlantic basin, ensuring their integrity, perpetuity, and interoperability, in accordance with the FAIR Principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and following the most relevant best practices of the European Union, such as the Inspire Directive.
WEAREATLANTIC platform aims to aggregate and provide data and information from IPMA and other entities working in the Atlantic basin, ensuring their integrity, perpetuity, and interoperability.
WEAREATLANTIC is the result of the execution of the "Atlantic Observatory - Data and Monitoring Infrastructure" Project, funded by EEA Grants, whose objectives aim to enhance ocean research and monitoring, addressing the needs and gaps in science, technology, and society. The platform is a fundamental element in the value chain of ocean observation, promoting the principle of "measure once, use multiple times," serving as a bridge between observatories and end-users, enhancing data and its integration at various levels of society, from research and development to education and literacy, the blue economy sectors, and public administration.
The process flow of WEAREATLANTIC is summarized in the following diagram. The user interface is through the metadata catalogue and viewers, where the information is provided, aggregated by themes, including in-situ observatories, cruise data, or forecast and reanalysis models.
In the current landscape of increasing national and international cooperation, data obtained from various sources and providers, according to global guidelines and best practices, have the potential to feed multiple users, meaning that each cruise, equipment, sensor, and measurement contributes to the global value chain of ocean observation. The SOMOSATLÂNTICO platform seeks to contribute to this effort, providing access to high-quality marine data covering the Atlantic basin.
