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including the conversion of analytical techniques to hardware form, and to the 
studies of networking and distributed systems for image processing which, with 
the advances in modern technology and reliability of high speed links, may 
become practical. 
5. Interfaces. This group of tasks is concerned with the transfer of data 
and algorithms which may be facilitated by standardization. The subjects of 
specific interests are: data interchange (e.g. assessment of suitability of 
data formats) , standardization of user-system interfaces (e.g. interactive 
terminal protocols and user procedures, and terminal-to-system connections and 
software protocols), and the system-algorithm interface. 
In the studies related to all five areas of activities of Working Group II/3 
special attention is given to the present status of the developments and to 
the identification of significant trends for future developments. 
Working Group II/4 on "Instruments for Preprocessing, Storage and 
Dissemination of Remotely Sensed Data". 
  
  
Chairman: L. Marelli, ESA-ESRIN Earthnet Programme Office, Italy. 
Co-Chairman: J.J. Quann, NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center, U.S.A. 
As already mentioned this Working Group was formed in 1981 to cover the topics 
related to preprocessing, archiving and distribution of data that were a part 
of the activities of Working Group on "Instruments for Processing and Analysis 
of Remote Sensor Data” in the period 1976-1980. 
The three main areas of activities defined by the terms of reference of 
Working Group II/4 are: the identification of requirements associated with the 
tasks of preprocessing, storage and dissemination of data; the assesment of 
available instrumentation and technological trends; and the identification of 
priority areas where the need for special research activities is expected. In 
general the activities are focussed on ground equipment but include as well 
on-board instrumentation for data handling. 
The studies and research activities are organized under seven major topics. 
l. Acquisition Recording Techniques and Instrumentation. The subjects of 
studies under this topic are concerned with the data formatting and 
annotation, on-board preprocessing of data, data storage, and data compression 
and decompression. 
Ze Preprocessing instrumentation. This topic encompasses the hardware 
related subjects of studies such as computer architecture, array processors, 
peripherals and film recorders; and the software related subjects of studies 
such as languages, standards and software maintenance. 
  
3. Archiving and Retrieval. This topic includes a group of tasks concerned 
with the remote sensing archives design, available technology and storage 
media (e.g. magnetic disks and high density digital tapes). 
4. Future technology. Subjects of studies comprised under this topic are: 
video disks, optical disks, and holographic systems. 
5. Catalogs. The subjects of interest are: computer-based catalogs, catalogs 
on film and on microfiche.