NOAA’s Satellite and Information Service has inked a three-year contract with Google to team up on pilot projects that will look into how Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning could deepen NOAA’s satellite and environmental data uses, including weather forecasting and climate research.
“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,” said acting NOAA administrator Neil Jacobs. “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.”
NOAA and Google will start with small-scale systems before pursuing full-scale models that could be used throughout the organization. NOAA employees will also have hands-on AI training opportunities.
"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,” said Mike Daniels, vice president of 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.”
