As mentioned earlier, the EU DataGrid was designed to handle large volumes of information such as that which would be put out by the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and other massive data producing programs. We have already talked about how the storing and sharing of these large amounts of data would positively impact the medical field; now, let’s look at how EU DataGrid applications can be used in the particle physics field and in the Earth Observation program.
Using DataGrid applications such as those provided by CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) will allow those who work in the particle physics field to invent and run simulations as well as generate, test, and re-test experiments many times. This is now possible through the construction of the LHC, which by the way was done by CERN. In the past, this was either not possible or resulted in many delays or extended waiting time as the data was processed and disseminated.
CERN also provides an application called Earth Observation. This application was designed for use by those who are involved with science programs which deal specifically with earth observation and/or space. Much of the information gathered for earth observation and space study is gathered in and disseminated by satellite.
The Earth Observation program allows for the data to be made available to those who need it more quickly. In addition, the Earth Observation program performs algorithm and other functions which change the raw satellite data into easier to read and observe charts, graphs, and even drawings and photographs. The information is clearer and more current than that which must be interpreted and written by other methods.
This allows for more in-depth studies to be made of the different factors which affect Earth’s atmosphere, seismic action and other things, allowing for more up-to-date information to be available faster.