'The surface management system' (SuMS) database: a surface-based database to aid cortical surface reconstruction, visualization and analysis

Surface reconstructions of the cerebral cortex are increasingly widely used in the analysis and visualization of cortical structure, function and conn ectivity. From a neuroinformatics perspective, dealing with surface-related data poses a number of challenges. These include the multiplicity of confi gurations in which surfaces are routinely viewed (e.g. inflated maps, spher es and flat maps), plus the diversity of experimental data that can be repr esented on any given surface. To address these challenges, we have develope d a surface management system (SuMS) that allows automated storage and retr ieval of complex surface-related datasets. SuMS provides a systematic framework for the classification, storage and re trieval of many types of surface-related data and associated volume data. W ithin this classification framework, it serves as a version-control system capable of handling large numbers of surface and volume datasets. With buil t-in database management system support, SuMS provides rapid search and ret rieval capabilities across all the datasets, while also incorporating multi ple security levels to regulate access. SuMS is implemented in Java and can be accessed via a Web interface (WebSuMS) or using downloaded client softw are. Thus, SuMS is well positioned to act as a multiplatform, multi-user 's urface request broker' for the neuroscience community.