The current formal status of the ERS-1 ground segment

Status of the ERS-1 ground segment is reported for the payload data facilities for acquisition of raw data; quasi real-time data processing and distribution; off-line data processing and distribution. The British, French, German, and Italian proposals for the off-line program are described. The off-line ground segment consists of facilities for payload data archive and retrieval; generation and dissemination of off-line products (precision and thematic); user interface tasks (catalog, order handling, quality control); and long-term payload evaluation. It also includes development of algorithms for the off-line products.