GEO and GEOSS: The Group on Earth Observations and the Global Earth Observations System of Systems
Image via earthobservations.org
The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) was formed in 2002 when the World Summit on Sustainable Development and the G8 recognized that international collaboration on Earth observation was essential. GEO aims to improve policy decisions by coordinating strategies among participating voluntary governments and international organizations. As of March 2011, GEO was composed of 86 governments and the European Commission, and 61 intergovernmental, international and regional organizations.
Recognizing that the acquisition and dissemination of land, air, sea and space data is of utmost importance, and declaring that, “The world has an urgent need for a coordinated, comprehensive, and sustained information system,” GEO developed a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) targeting nine Societal Benefit Areas.
GEO believes that the world needs a coordinated and sustained information system in order for decision-makers, managers and experts to be able to gather data when they need it.
Featured Articles
GEO-VIII Plenary Sets Scene for 2012 and Beyond
The GEO-VIII Plenary was hosted in Istanbul by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. A progress report presented there highlights new products and services now available via GEOSS, the growth of data sharing, and increased support for user engagement.
Michael Williams, posted on
December 7th, 2011
Articles, Earth Observation, GEOSS/ICEO News
EuroGEOSS Conference in Madrid to Focus on Solutions
“EuroGEOSS, advancing the vision of GEOSS” is the title of a EuroGEOSS conference in Madrid, Spain, from Jan. 25-27, 2012. The event will focus on facilitating and demonstrating multi-disciplinary solutions to environmental issues facing humanity.
Jeff Kart, posted on
November 26th, 2011
Announcements, Earth Observation, GEOSS/ICEO News
EuroGeoss Web Seminar: “The Earth’s Environment, Observations and Benefits”
A EuroGeoss Web Seminar on “The Earth’s Environment, Observations and Benefits” will focus on the benefits of improved decision-making on local and global scales. The event will last about an hour, with time for questions at the end. It will be presented by Steffen Fritz, Sabine Fuss and Ian McCallum.
Jay Pearlman, posted on
September 10th, 2011
Announcements, Earth Observation, GEOSS/ICEO News
European Commission to Host July Workshop on Socio-Economic Benefits of GEO-GEOSS
A workshop on the socio-economic benefits of GEO-GEOSS is planned for July 11-13 at the Joint Research Center in Ispra, Italy. The purpose of the workshop is to identify a program of activities to undertake during 2011-14 to support the GEO 10-year implementation plan\ and an assessment of benefits that can be achieved.
Lisa Rudy, posted on
June 13th, 2011
Announcements, Earth Observation, GEOSS/ICEO News
Putting Earth Observation Data to Work: The EuroGEOSS Broker (Max Craglia interview)
The first step in making sense of the processes and events that impact the Earth is to observe and analyze them. The next step is to share those observations and analyses with your peers in the context of a shared infrastructure. Today, however, there are dozens of such shared infrastructures, each with its own set of policies, terms and protocols. How can all this information be shared?
Lisa Rudy, posted on
June 4th, 2011
Earth Observation, Featured Person, GEOSS/ICEO News, People
GEOSS in the Americas Leverages International Resources for Action
What can satellite-based Earth Observation do for the Americas? The possibilities are endless. From mitigating disaster outcomes in earthquake-prone states like Haiti to managing agriculture in Brazil to observing algal blooms off the coast of Mexico, GEOSS Americas is already having a major positive impact.
Lisa Rudy, posted on
May 27th, 2011
Earth Observation, Earthly Updates, GEOSS/ICEO News
GEO and GEOSS Links
Voice of GEO Leadership
Space-bound in South Africa: A Down-to-Earth Conversation With Dr. Phil Mjwara
A month after South Africa succesfully launched it’s second Earth observation satellite, Sumbandila, Earthzine contributor Peter Fairley talks with Dr. Philemon Mjwara, Director General of South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology, about the launch, the benefits South Africa expects to reap from the satellite, and what’s in store for the future of developing countries’ involvement in Earth observation and sustainability.
Peter Fairley, posted on
January 11th, 2010
Articles, Earth Observation, People, Technology
The Globally-Aware Island: An Earthzine Conversation With Japan’s Shin Aoyama
Earthzine speaks with Japan’s Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Mr. Aoyama, who represents Japan within GEO.
Peter Fairley, posted on
July 15th, 2008
Earth Observation, Featured Person, GEOSS/ICEO News, People
The GEO Challenge: An Earthzine Conversation With GEO Secretariat Director José Achache
French geophysicist and GEO Secretariat Director Jose Achache discusses not only the vision, progress and achievements of GEO but also the challenges relating to resources and industry’s role in GEOSS with Earthzine contributor Peter Fairley.
Peter Fairley, posted on
April 15th, 2008
Articles, Earth Observation, Featured Person, GEOSS/ICEO News, People, Technology
GEOSS Reaching Beyond the Core
Following the creation of the ad hoc intergovernmental Group on Earth Observations in Washington in 2003, South Africa’s Rob Adam was selected as one of GEO’s four co-chairs, alongside colleagues from the U.S., Japan and the European Commission.
Peter Fairley, posted on
November 18th, 2007
Articles, GEOSS/ICEO News, People
An Architect of “The System of Systems”
The hat collection overtaking his corner office two blocks from the White House says much of Conrad Lautenbacher’s interests. The caps are mementos of a decorated 40-year Navy career and also from his current job, where part of it is running oceanographic and fisheries vessels, including underwater robots.
John Adam, posted on
October 24th, 2007
In This Issue, People
GEO-VIII Plenary Sets Scene for 2012 and Beyond
The GEO-VIII Plenary was hosted in Istanbul by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. A progress report presented there highlights new products and services now available via GEOSS, the growth of data sharing, and increased support for user engagement.
Michael Williams, posted on
December 7th, 2011
Articles, Earth Observation, GEOSS/ICEO News
EuroGEOSS Conference in Madrid to Focus on Solutions
“EuroGEOSS, advancing the vision of GEOSS” is the title of a EuroGEOSS conference in Madrid, Spain, from Jan. 25-27, 2012. The event will focus on facilitating and demonstrating multi-disciplinary solutions to environmental issues facing humanity.
Jeff Kart, posted on
November 26th, 2011
Announcements, Earth Observation, GEOSS/ICEO News
EuroGeoss Web Seminar: “The Earth’s Environment, Observations and Benefits”
A EuroGeoss Web Seminar on “The Earth’s Environment, Observations and Benefits” will focus on the benefits of improved decision-making on local and global scales. The event will last about an hour, with time for questions at the end. It will be presented by Steffen Fritz, Sabine Fuss and Ian McCallum.
Jay Pearlman, posted on
September 10th, 2011
Announcements, Earth Observation, GEOSS/ICEO News
European Commission to Host July Workshop on Socio-Economic Benefits of GEO-GEOSS
A workshop on the socio-economic benefits of GEO-GEOSS is planned for July 11-13 at the Joint Research Center in Ispra, Italy. The purpose of the workshop is to identify a program of activities to undertake during 2011-14 to support the GEO 10-year implementation plan\ and an assessment of benefits that can be achieved.
Lisa Rudy, posted on
June 13th, 2011
Announcements, Earth Observation, GEOSS/ICEO News
Putting Earth Observation Data to Work: The EuroGEOSS Broker (Max Craglia interview)
The first step in making sense of the processes and events that impact the Earth is to observe and analyze them. The next step is to share those observations and analyses with your peers in the context of a shared infrastructure. Today, however, there are dozens of such shared infrastructures, each with its own set of policies, terms and protocols. How can all this information be shared?
Lisa Rudy, posted on
June 4th, 2011
Earth Observation, Featured Person, GEOSS/ICEO News, People
GEOSS in the Americas Leverages International Resources for Action
What can satellite-based Earth Observation do for the Americas? The possibilities are endless. From mitigating disaster outcomes in earthquake-prone states like Haiti to managing agriculture in Brazil to observing algal blooms off the coast of Mexico, GEOSS Americas is already having a major positive impact.
Lisa Rudy, posted on
May 27th, 2011
Earth Observation, Earthly Updates, GEOSS/ICEO News
Standards Enable Open Geoscience Opportunities
In his last essay of a three-part series about the role of the Internet in “opening up” the geosciences, Lance Mckee examines the opportunities for geoscience stakeholders to forge the evolution of science through Internet-based geoprocessing standards and information technology.
Lance McKee, posted on
March 30th, 2011
Earth Observation, GEOSS/ICEO News, OpEd, Technology
GEO Monitors, Analyzes, and Distributes Data on the Japan Disaster
International Earth observation agencies are cooperating in the creation of online resources to aid rescue efforts and advance scientific understanding in the wake of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Available visualization products relate to a range of issues, including historic and present seismic activity, landslides, deformation areas, floating objects and more.
Michael Williams, posted on
March 23rd, 2011
Disaster Management, Earth Observation, GEOSS/ICEO News
Take the Survey: GEO Needs Your Input
The Group on Earth Observations is asking interested parties to complete an online survey for a GEOSS Evaluation Team. The deadline is Feb. 28, 2011.
Jeff Kart, posted on
February 16th, 2011
Announcements, Earth Observation, GEOSS/ICEO News
Geospatial Standards: Opening Up the Geosciences
In his second essay on access of geospatial data , Lance McKee argues that the technical standards in the geosciences are largely in place and have the necessary institutional commitment, but their availability and usefulness are not yet well known. His first essay presented the rationale for making Earth location-referenced data widely available and shared.
Lance McKee, posted on
February 2nd, 2011
GEOSS/ICEO News, OpEd, Sustainability, Technology
NASA Daily Image
Panorama of the East Coast
This Jan. 29 panorama of much of the East Coast, photographed by one of the Expedition 30 crew members aboard the International Space Station, provides a look generally northeastward: Philadelphia-New York City-Boston corridor (bottom-center); western Lake Ontario shoreline with Toronto (left edge); Montreal (near center). An optical illusion in the photo makes the atmospheric limb and light activity from Aurora Borealis appear "intertwined." Image Credit: NASA