Assessment of Satellite-Derived Essential Climate Variables in the Terrestrial Domain: An Overview of the Ceos Lpv Subgroup

The validation of satellite-derived terrestrial observations has perennially faced the challenge of finding a consistent set of in situ measurements that can both cover a wide range of surface conditions and provide timely and traceable product accuracy and uncertainty information. The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), the space arm of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), plays a key role in coordinating the land product validation process. The Land Product Validation (LPV) subgroup of the CEOS Working Group on Calibration and Validation (WGCV) aims to address the challenges associated with the validation of global land products. This paper will provide an overview of LPV subgroup focus area activities, which cover seven terrestrial Essential Climate Variables (ECVs). A primary focus of LPV is the development of standards and best practices for satellite land product validation. Recent efforts have focused on the establishment of consensus guidelines for in situ measurements as well as inter-comparison of trends derived from independently-obtained reference data and derived products. The contribution will enhance coordination of the scientific needs of the Earth system communities with global LPV activities.