A Generic Environment for Calibration/Validation Analysis (GECA) of Earth Observation satellite data
Abstract
Assessing the quality of Earth Observation satellite data through Calibration and Validation activities is an essential part of all satellite missions. In the coming decade the availability of EO satellite data will exhibit a significant growth. In addition to the upcoming GMES Sentinel missions, ESA develops a continuous series of Earth Explorer satellites. To facilitate Cal/Val activities ESA has initiated a project to develop a Generic Environment for Calibration and Validation Analysis (GECA), the next generation validation data centre. GECA will offer several functionalities facilitating validation analysis with full traceability, including access to satellite data and collocated in-situ measurements. At the core of GECA is the collocation engine which finds matches of satellite data with validation data fulfilling user defined criteria. It will also be possible to compare satellite and correlative data using `best practice' analysis functions either via internet on the dedicated GECA server or locally at the user. Closely linked to this development, a network of data centres -the Data Center Interoperability Group (DCIO) has been initiated. Currently data centre interoperability has started with the Aura Validation Data Center (AVDC), ENVISAT Validation Data Centre (EVDC), EARLINET, and NDACC. Objectives of the group are to facilitate access to their data thereby increasing its usage.
- Publication:
-
38th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010cosp...38..320V