The Role of Science and Technology in the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS)
Abstract
Science and technology (S&T) are critical to the ability of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) to meet its societal benefit goals. Deployment and implementation of new technologies and new ways to use technologies has never been more important. Meeting these needs will allow progress not only in research and development (R&D), but also in the integration of observations, modeling, and development of decision support tools in support of GEO’s nine societal benefit areas. The Science and Technology Committee (STC) has been created to ensure that GEO has access to scientific and technological advice and ensure the continued engagement of S&T communities in GEO and the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). GEO has developed a list of approximately 42 tasks to address S&T challenges. A key focus for the STC has been on the engagement of the global S&T community, through two tasks: (1) catalyzing R&D funding for GEOSS and (2) promoting awareness and benefits of GEO in the S&T community. Related activities to the first task will include identifying the gaps and needs for science and technology to support GEO tasks, engaging decision makers and resource providers, and identifying and encouraging collaboration with programs relevant to GEOSS S&T needs. Related activities to the second task will include forming links with major scientific research enterprises, actively encouraging relevant scientists and technical experts to contribute to GEOSS, promote GEOSS to diverse S&T communities, universities, and laboratories to involve them in activities, and organize a GEO presence at major symposia and meetings. Based on these overall GEO tasks, a S&T roadmap has been developed to outline specific activities to be undertaken by the STC in collaboration with other GEO communities, GEO principals, and others. These activities are grouped into two major areas: (1) actively engaging and incorporating science and technology participants in the development of GEOSS and (2) creating incentives and promoting GEO in the S&T communities. The creation of the STC, GEO tasks, and S&T roadmap will ensure that the best S&T is used to support its nine societal benefit areas and is available for the development of GEOSS.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009AGUFM.U43B..01M
- Keywords:
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- 1640 GLOBAL CHANGE / Remote sensing;
- 1934 INFORMATICS / International collaboration