A graphical browser interface for the Naval Environmental Operational Nowcasting System.

Abstract

A database management system for the Naval Environmental Operational Nowcasting System has been developed at the Naval Oceanographic and Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NOARL), Monterer, Ca. The systems design presents a high level view of diverse environmental data for meteorologists at NOARL. Currently the NEONS DBMS has a function key based data browser written in 4GL. This browser, however, is unpopular and little used because of its user unfriendliness and limited functionality. This thesis presents a design for a graphical user interface for the browser based on ergonomic design principles. The purpose of this design is to increase user friendliness and enhance functionality over the existing user interface. The design also serves as a framework for the design of user interfaces for other information systems with rich data types. The design has been favorably evaluated and is currently being implemented by the NOARL development staff.