Our Location
The Information Technology and Data Services Division has staff at all three SWFSC locations: La Jolla, Monterey, and Santa Cruz. The distribution of staff allows for support services and increased interactions with Center staff and with many California universities and stakeholder groups concerned with ocean data.
What We Do
The Information Technology and Data Services Division supports the Center and broader ocean science community with two main functions. The Information Technology Services program is responsible for ensuring the seamless integration and operation of our technology infrastructure, encompassing both on-premises systems and cloud-based resources in support of the science mission. Through research, product delivery and data serving, the Environmental Research Data Services program provides access to science-based data, products and services.
Information Technology Services program
The Information Technology Services program manages the network and database infrastructure, provides user assistance, oversees cloud and application development, procures and maintains assets, ensures data security, and oversees various technology and data projects. Staff ensure technology systems operate smoothly to support the Center's mission and collaborate nationally on projects and services.
Environmental Research Data Services program
The Environmental Research Data Services program provides access to science-based environmental data and products for fisheries research and management to a diverse customer base of researchers, decision-makers, and the public. The group is responsible for the development of the ERDDAP data server and provides data services and expertise to generate web-based informational products about the ocean environment and fisheries.
- ERDDAP data server
- Data and research for understanding the effects of environmental variability on marine ecosystems: More Environmental Research Data projects
- The CoastWatch West Coast and PolarWatch are value-added providers of services for accessing and using ocean satellite data products. The nodes serve users working in the Pacific Ocean and Polar regions, including NOAA and state fisheries management groups, university researchers, commercial groups, and the public. The Nodes also offer satellite data training courses. An overview of recent projects for CoastWatch West Coast Node: CoastWatch West Coast Node’s project page
Our Leadership
Heather Nicholas
Information Technology Services Director
Heather Nicholas joined NOAA in July 2018, as the Director, Information Technology Services Division and the Regional Information Technology Coordinator (RITC) for the SWFSC. In 2023, the Center reorganized and the Division expanded to include the Environmental Research Data Services program and became the Information Technology & Data Services Division. Heather received her B.S. in Computer Science from Hood College and her M.S. in Computer Science from the George Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Science.
