The Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS): Policy and Technical Perspectives Multi Temp 2005 | Biloxi, MS

1
The Global Earth Observation System of Systems
(GEOSS)Policy and Technical PerspectivesMulti
Temp 2005 Biloxi, MS

• VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr. US Navy (Ret.)
• Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
  Atmosphere
• Group on Earth Observations Executive Committee
  Co-Chair
• May 16, 2005

2
Presentation Outline

• The Global Earth Observation System of Systems
  (GEOSS) Overview
• Policy Perspectives
• Technical Perspectives
• Recent Events and the Way Forward

3
SpaceThe Backbone of GEOSS
4
What is GEOSS?Technical Perspective
An end-to-end system of existing systems (both
in situ and remote sensing observation platforms)
linked with new systems
5
What is GEOSS?Policy Perspective

• GEOSS is a distributed system of systems built on
  current international cooperation efforts among
  existing Earth observing and processing systems
• GEOSS is
• Comprehensiveobservations and products from all
  components
• Coordinatedleverages contributing members
  resources
• Sustainedby will and capacity of all members
• GEOSS enables the collection and distribution of
  accurate, reliable Earth Observation data,
  information, products, and services to both
  suppliers and consumers worldwidethrough an
  end-to-end process

6
From Observations to Benefits
7
Why GEOSS?Social, Economic, Science Imperatives

• The Ocean as an example
• Better observationstide gauges, buoys,
  sensorswill allow us to forecast with more
  accuracy allowing us to get our coastal
  communities more effective warnings
• More than half the worlds population lives
  within 60 km of the shoreline, this could rise
  to 3/4 by the year 2020
• More than 90 of natural disaster-related deaths
  occur in developing countries
• 25 of Earths biological productivity an
  estimated 80-90 of global commercial fish catch
  is concentrated in coastal zones
• Worldwide agricultural benefits of better El Niño
  forecasts are conservatively estimated at
  450-550M/year

8
Presentation Outline

• The Global Earth Observation System of Systems
  (GEOSS) Overview
• Policy Perspectives
• Technical Perspectives
• Recent Events and the Way Forward

9
Policy Challenges

• Harnessing the political will of nearly 60
  countries
• Incorporating over 40 international organizations
  such as IOC, WMO, ISDR and UNEP
• These organizations even different U.N.
  agencies - dont always talk to each other
• GEO offers a mechanism for coordination

10
GEOSS Overview
EOS I

• EOS I
• July 31, 2003, Washington, D.C.
• 34 Countries 20 International Organizations
• EOS II
• April 25, 2004, Tokyo, Japan
• 43 Countries EC 26 International
  Organizations
• EOS III
• February 2005, Brussels
• 60 Countries EC 34 International
  Organizations
• 10-Year Implementation Plan
• Commerce Secretary Gutierrez led the US delegation

EOS II
EOS III
11
GEO IGeneva, Switzerland

• First meeting of new GEO at WMO headquarters on
  May 3-4
• Iceland recognized as newest member of growing
  effort
• GEO agreed to 12 member Executive Committee
• Africa (2), Americas (3), Asia and Oceania (3),
  Commonwealth of Independent States (1), Europe
  (3)
• Co-Chairs US, EC (developed) China, South
  Africa (developing)
• Tsunami Update IOC

12
3
1
3
2
3
Americas
Europe
Africa
Asia/Oceania
Brazil Honduras USA
European Commission Italy Germany
South Africa Morocco
China Japan Thailand
Commonwealth of Independent States
GEO Executive Committee
Russia
13
GEO ExCom Initial Meeting

• Immediately after GEO I (June, Geneva)
• Establish Functions and Roles
• ExCom Working Body / GEO Decision Body
• Set Up Committee Structure
• ST Mechanism
• User Interface Mechanism
• Architecture
• Data Policy

14
U.S. Contribution to GEOSSAn Interagency Effort
15
Public Engagement is a Priority

• Public Engagement WorkshopContinuing the
  Dialogue
• Washington, DC, May 9-10
• 400 attendees from all sectors
• Discussion of Societal Benefit Areas
• Discussion of Near Term Opportunities Integration
  Frameworks
• Data Management
• Improved Observations for Disaster Warnings
• Global Land Observing System
• Sea Level Observing System
• National Integrated Drought Information System
• Air Quality Assessment and Forecast System

16
Presentation Outline

• The Global Earth Observation System of Systems
  (GEOSS) Overview
• Policy Perspectives
• Technical Perspectives
• Recent Events and the Way Forward

17
Technical AdvancementsGeostationary Satellites
Much improved spatial and temporal coverage
Current GOES Sounder coverage in one hour
GOES-R New generation of current U.S.
geostationary operational environmental satellite
(GOES) series
GOES-R HES Sounder coverage in one hour
18
Technical AdvancementsPolar Satellites

• NPOESS National Polar-Orbiting Operational
  Environmental Satellite System
• Advanced imager offers near-constant resolution
  across scan
• Additionally, VIIRS brings a great increase in
  multispectral channels

OLS
AVHRR
VIIRS
2
6
22
19
Bring Technical Challenges

• Data Management Needs
• New Systems mean 100-fold increase in data
• Current systems already face challenges
• Development of browser and visualization systems
  underpinned by core geospatial technologies
• Interoperability through protocols and standards

20
Architecture Needs

• Support for a range of implementation options
• Addressing planned, research and operational
  systems
• Interfaced capabilities through interoperability
  specifications
• Inclusion of metadata and quality indicators
• Continuity of observations, and
  instigation of new observations
• Building on existing systems and
  historical data
• In U.S., focus on Federal Enterprise
  Architecture Framework

21
Architecture Targets GEO

• Within two years, GEOSS will
• Advocate formal commitments of contributions by
  GEO Members and Participating Organizations
• Produce a publicly accessible, network-distributed
  catalogue
• Establish and maintain a process for reaching
  interoperability arrangements
• Advocate use of existing Spatial Data
  Infrastructure (SDI) components as institutional
  and technical precedents
• Develop a cost-and-benefit-sharing mechanism(s)
  for observations

22
Presentation Outline

• The Global Earth Observation System of Systems
  (GEOSS) Overview
• Policy Perspectives
• Technical Perspectives
• Recent Events and the Way Forward

23
The Indian Ocean Tragedy
Frequent Question Why did it happen?
24
Why Observations Matter

• After-the-fact data from research altimeter shows
  tsunami as it propagated in the Indian Ocean
• Chart shows actual observation (in black)
  compared with model (in blue)
• Models have much room for improvement

25
To Get Involved

• Alliance for Earth Observations
• Serves as a communication link between the
  industrial, non-governmental, academic and
  governmental sectors
• Encourages broad participation in the development
  of a national strategy for Earth observations
• http//www.strategies.org/alliance
• For more information on on the U.S. Group on
  Earth Observations
• http//iwgeo.ssc.nasa.gov

26
Questions?