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About GLOS

We put lake information into peoples’ hands in support of the Smart Great Lakes vision. 

Katie laughing at a staff retreat

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.

We’re part of a network of dozens of organizations that maintain the observing network, serve data, advance technology, and more.

From around the observing system

Core Compentencies

Data icon

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 icon

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 icon

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

Core Compentencies

Data icon

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 icon

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 icon

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 icon

Empowerment

Giving observers the tools and support they need to innovate and better understand the lakes.  

simplicity icon

Simplicity

Whether designing an app or a meeting, keeping things easy, intuitive, and to the point

Integrity icon

Integrity

Developing impactful solutions to regional problems with transparency and authenticity.

Priorities

Little girl drinking clean water

Public Health and Safety

Researchers taking a biological sample and pouring it into a container

Ecosystem Health

Seagull logo

Seagull

A captain operating his ship

Maritime Operations

Smart Great Lakes logo

Smart Great Lakes

Lakebed view of an old shipwreck

Lakebed 2030

Satellite view of the Great Lakes

Climate Resiliency

Past Strategic Plan 2016-2020 | Past Annual Reports: 2023 | 2022 | 20212020201920182017 | 2016 | 2015

Contact us

GLOS