About GLOS
We put lake information into peoples’ hands in support of the Smart Great Lakes vision.
![Katie laughing at a staff retreat](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Copy-of-100319_StaffRetreat_Katie-laughing-web-1.jpg)
A bi-national nonprofit, GLOS provides end-to-end data services that support science, policy, management, and industry in the U.S. and Canada.
Whether deciding to venture out on a boat or confronting the effects of climate change, we want to equip observers with high-quality, up-to-date lake information from the region’s observing network.
From around the observing system
![Kayaking near pictured rocks Woman kayaking near pictured rocks](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/woman-kayaking_PC-Gresham-Halstead-web-600x360.jpg)
Photo by Gresham Halstead
![Environmental sample processor deployment ESP platform deployment](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ESP-deployment_PC-NOAA-Great-Lakes-Environmental-Research-Lab-scaled-600x360.jpg)
Photo by NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab
![Kid swimming in the lake](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/kid-swimming-web-600x360.jpg)
![Seagull Platform Seagull Data screenshot of water temperature in Lake Erie](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-06-at-10.20.51-AM-web-600x360.jpg)
![Aerial view of a large and small boat](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Maritime-Ops-2-web-600x360.jpg)
![Underwater Glider Glider being adjusted on a ship](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/glider-being-adjusted-on-a-ship_PC-Katelynn-Johnson-web-600x360.jpg)
Photo by Katelynn Johnson
![The Mackinac Bridge View of the Straights of Mackinac](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Straits-of-Mackinac_PC-Nathan-Shaiyan-Michigan-Technological-University-web-600x360.jpg)
Photo by Nathan Shaiyan, Michigan Technological University
![SeaTrac ASV SeaTrac ASV in the Lake](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SeaTrac-ASV_PC-SeaTrac-Systems-web-600x360.jpg)
Photo by SeaTrac Systems
![High-frequency Radar Photo by Nathan Shaiyan, Michigan Tech.](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Straits-of-Mackinac-201905210109-1-3-scaled-600x360.jpg)
Photo by Nathan Shaiyan, Michigan Tech.
Core Compentencies
![Data and Information Copy 2 Data icon](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Data-and-Information-Copy-2.png)
Managing Data and Delivering Information
Our IT platform features:
- Easy access to simple, contextual, visual information
- Secure, scalable, cloud-based, IoT technology
- Organized and updated metadata
- Free, open access for better data-driven decision making
![Engaging Stakeholders Copy 2 Engaging icon](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Engaging-Stakeholders-Copy-2.png)
Engaging Stakeholders
GLOS works to discover and address changing regional needs by:
- Cultivating relationships with diverse observers
- Collecting input via surveys, web analytics, and user testing
- Serving as an organizer for events and initiatives
![Facilitate Network Copy 2 Facilitate network icon](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Facilitate-Network-Copy-2.png)
Facilitating the Observing Network
We’re expanding the technology portfolio and geographic reach of the network by:
- Funding in-water platforms like buoys and uncrewed systems
- Helping to organize the bi-national, multi-sector network of observers
- Developing long-term strategies to address emerging challenges
We’re working toward a future for Great Lakes information that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive of the more than 40 million people who call this region home. We are guided by our three core values:
![Empowerment Copy 2 Empowerment icon](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Empowerment-Copy-2.png)
Empowerment
Giving observers the tools and support they need to innovate and better understand the lakes.
![Simplicity Copy 2 simplicity icon](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Simplicity-Copy-2.png)
Simplicity
Whether designing an app or a meeting, keeping things easy, intuitive, and to the point
![Integrity Copy 2 Integrity icon](https://glos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Integrity-Copy-2.png)
Integrity
Developing impactful solutions to regional problems with transparency and authenticity.