NOAA and Google Enter into a Collaboration to Enhance Weather Forecasting and Research with Artificial Intelligence

The research will primarily focus on developing small-scale AI/ML systems. With the results yielded from those efforts, Google Cloud and NOAA

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Aerospace and Defense Review | Friday, October 30, 2020

The research will primarily focus on developing small-scale AI/ML systems. With the results yielded from those efforts, Google Cloud and NOAA would then concentrate on executing full-scale prototypes that NOAA could ultimately operationalize across its organization.

Fremont, CA: NOAA's Satellite and Information Service (NESDIS) has entered into an agreement with Google to explore the advantages of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for enhancing NOAA's utilization of satellite and environmental data.

Under this three-year Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement, Google and NESDIS will pilot specific AI- and ML-related projects to amplify NOAA's environmental monitoring, climate research, weather forecasting, and technical innovation.

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"Strengthening NOAA's data processing through the use of big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other advanced analytical approaches is critical for maintaining and enhancing the performance of our systems in support of public safety and the economy," stated Neil Jacobs, Ph.D., acting NOAA administrator. "I am excited to utilize new authorities granted to NOAA to pursue cutting-edge technologies that will enhance our mission and better protect lives and property."

The research will primarily focus on developing small-scale AI/ML systems. With the results yielded from those efforts, Google Cloud and NOAA would then concentrate on executing full-scale prototypes that NOAA could ultimately operationalize across its organization. If successful, this has the ability to be a significant leap in NOAA's ability to utilize the enormous volume and diversity of environmental data so as to enhance prediction, including for extreme weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes.

"By bringing together NOAA and Google's expertise and talent, we can both resource and jointly explore AI/ML methods to achieve a more effective use of satellite and other environmental data," stated Mike Daniels, vice president, Global Public Sector, Google Cloud. "Our goal is to increase scientific impact, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental and satellite data by leveraging Google Cloud's infrastructure and AI/ML know-how. All this will help improve weather forecasting, research and unlock innovation."

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