Group on Earth Observations (GEO)
Report of the Subgroup on Data Utilization (SGDU)
March 19, 2004
Executive summary
Providing decision makers with more accurate and timely information about the Earth
environment to help them respond to a multitude of societal needs is a central goal of all earth
observation investments and activities. The resulting socio-economic benefits are realized by a
broad range of communities, including commerce, science, education and the general public.
Data utilization plays a key role in the complex process that starts with data collection and ends
with the production of information products that become tools for decision makers. In the
development of the 10-year Implementation plan for a Global Earth Observation System of
Systems (GEOSS), SGDU will support the Implementation Plan Task Team in the following key
areas, central to successful data utilisation. In addition we draw attention to a further issue,
protection of radio frequencies, which is important for all of GEO:

Information generation - A key issue is to ensure the transformation of data into usable
information is established.
Effective utilization of earth observations and products
developed from them will require integrated approaches for sharing multi-resolution data
sets, with outputs from a wide range of unrelated and very different observing systems and
capabilities. Such systems require extensive processing, i.e., powerful hardware and
software as well as competent staff in order to benefit from the very expensive observing
systems such as space-based systems. It is important that GEO promote such investment
both at the national level and under the auspices of multinational or international bodies.
 Data policy - As stated in the first Earth Summit Declaration, the Plan must promote access
to and sharing of observations in a full and open manner with minimum time delay and
minimum cost, recognizing relevant international instruments and national policies and
legislation. Practically every nation and organization involved with Earth observations has a
policy on allowing access to its observational data. Within the framework of the
Implementation Plan, it will be essential to find sufficient common ground to ensure that
restricted access does not inhibit the liberal exchange and distribution of data, which the
process seeks to promote. For the Implementation Plan it is proposed to proceed by
seeking agreement among contributing nations and organizations to facilitate the free
exchange and use of observations and products to be developed and distributed within the
context of the initiative as necessary. This process may highlight problems with respect to
certain data types.
 Data exchange - Increasing the peaceful utilization of existing data is essential, and
mechanisms will also be needed to ensure a broad range of observations be made available
for use in the Earth Observation information model and in the decision support tools used by
decision makers. There is no data utilization if there is no data exchange. It will beimportant
to define common exchange agreements and protocols. This will ensure that no technical
consideration hampers exchange of data, hence promoting wider access to and sharing of
observations. This includes standardization of formats, collection, procedures, quality
control and other issues affecting interoperability of data and systems. Archiving of data and
access to the archives is also critical to ensuring full data utilization.
1

Research and Development Research and development (R&D) are essential components
in the process of data utilization. Systems to transform data into information will require
intensive R&D efforts over many years to realize the full potential of GEOSS. In addition,
mechanisms are needed to accelerate the transfer of research results to the operational
creation of information products.
Radio frequency protection - A critically important issue is protection of radio frequencies
necessary for earth observations in particular for passive measurements. Passive remote
sensing is based on the detection/measurement of emissions at some precise electromagnetic
frequencies. Some of these frequencies are in high demand for active applications not related to
GEOSS, i.e. some groups would like to emit at these currently protected frequencies. Such
emissions would contaminate the signals coming from natural sources and make quality earth
observation measurements difficult or impossible. A specific goal of the GEOSS initiative will be
to ensure that these radio frequencies be protected and used solely by earth observation
applications.
2
1
Introduction
1.1
Purpose
Recalling the GEO Terms of Reference (TOR) adopted on 1 August 2003 at GEO-1, the GEO
established a Subgroup on Data Utilization and set forth legally non-binding Terms of
Reference. GEO directed the SGDU to develop a long-term data utilization strategy for a
comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained Earth observation system or systems, including in
situ, airborne, and space-borne observations, taking into account existing activities, and building
on existing systems and initiatives as part of a 10-year implementation plan. The execution of
this plan will result in a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). GEO affirmed
the need for timely, quality, long-term, global information as a basis for sound decision making.
1.2
Relationships with the four other Subgroups
The objectives of the various subgroups are complementary and, at times, partially overlap. This
was done on purpose. To ensure the success of mutual activities and, ultimately the success of
EOS, there is and there will always be a need for a very close cooperation with the various
subgroups, particularly with the Subgroup on Architecture (SGAR) and the Subgroup on User
Requirements and Outreach (SGUR).
1.3
Structure of the SGDU report
The report of the sub-group is structured as follows.
Section 1 Introduces the report by recalling the direction to the Subgroup provided by GEO
explains the relationship of SGDU to the other subgroups and provides the structure of the
report.
Section 2 discusses the scope of data utilization activities in GEO.
Section 3 considers generic data utilization matters including data policies, protection of radio
frequencies, standards and practices, data quality control, organisation of data utilisation
activities, transformation of measurements into information, information technology, the needs
for a multi-disciplinary approach to deliver the GEO socio-economic benefits, the need for
continued efforts in research and development, and the need for continued investment in data
utilization.
Section 4 makes a preliminary assessment of the GEOSS tasks in data utilization, with
emphasis on the build-up phase of GEOSS. The relationships between the GEO socioeconomic benefits and the GEO infrastructures of observations and modelling are described. A
review of on-going and planned GEOSS-related infrastructure activities then permits one to
sketch how forthcoming developments in observations and modelling will lead to step-wise
establishment and improvement of the different categories of GEO socio-economic benefits.
Section 5 summarises the proposals of GEO_3 on the next steps for GEO and indicates the
tasks to be done in the data utilization area in support of the preparation of the Implementation
Plan (IP) by the IP Task Team.
Section 6 describes some of the data utilisation strategies that should be considered as part of
the Implementation Plan.
3
The main conclusions of the SGDU report are collected in the Executive Summary above.
The full SGDU TOR are included in Annex 1. The list of the SGDU members is provided in
Annex 2. Annex 3 contains a full explanation regarding the protection of radio frequencies used
for earth exploration by satellite.
4
2
The scope of GEO data utilization activities
To foster a common vision within SGDU and to facilitate appropriate interactions and synergy
with other subgroups the precise scope of our activities is described here.
Data utilization encompasses many components but does not cover all aspects of data life. It is
paramount here to state what is included and what is not in the context of the GEO activities.
2.1
Data measurement
We start from the premise that data are delivered by providers after applying standard quality
procedures and exerting good quality control of data. Therefore, except for the aspect of
protection of radio frequencies required for earth observation activities, data measurement is not
considered part of data utilization and will not be addressed.
2.2
Data reception
Data reception is the first step after data measurement. Data utilization activities should insure
countries and organisations have access to needed data in terms of quantity, quality, type, etc.
This aspect will be addressed in cooperation with other subgroups.
2.3
Data exchange
From a GEO standpoint, there is no data utilization if there is no data exchange.
Telecommunication infrastructures, metadata, formats, interoperability standards, data
exchange policies and very large datasets are just some factors the SGDU will have to take into
account.
2.4
Data transformation into usable information
Data made available through various channels become available to users more or less in raw
form, i.e. generally not directly usable by political authorities or end users. Very often, extensive
processing is needed which, in turn, requires powerful hardware and software and skilled teams
of people. For developed countries or leading agencies involved in this processing, the
complexity of the technology and its rapid evolution imply continuous staff training and on-going
acquisition of new expertise. The challenge is even more formidable for developing countries
trying to build such expertise: they will need strong support from developed countries. The
aspect of improving the capacity of each country to transform data into usable information will
be coordinated with the Subgroup on Capacity Building (SGCB).
Data transformation will occur at all scales, from local to national to regional (multinational) to
global. It is important for GEO to encourage each country to invest appropriately in local and
national data utilization activities to fully benefit from the international EOS investments. GEO
must also promote data utilization exchange and capacity building between countries.
The aspect of data transformation done by countries or centres on behalf of or under the
authority of multi-national or international bodies is a direct component of international data
utilization activities.
5
2.5
Multinational and global information exchange
This aspect presents challenges similar to “data exchange”. One important difference is that
transformed data is intended for delivery to end users. The amount of information available is
such that clients will have to make choices. The SGDU will address factors hampering optimal
sharing of information. For capacity building purposes, data utilization practices, approaches
and systems as well as data should be shared between countries and agencies. Although
SGCB may help to develop an appropriate capacity, it is the role of individual countries to make
optimal use of available information within their own areas of responsibility. GEO should
encourage international and multi-national organizations to develop and strengthen formal
agreements by which data utilization products are provided.
2.6
Application of data and information
This aspect covers the use clients will make of the data and information to meet a great variety
of specific needs. This is normally handled under the auspices of national or local authorities.
This is extremely broad and considered beyond the scope of GEOSS and the SGDU. However,
GEO should encourage local and national investments in these areas.
2.7
Archiving
Archives are the memory of GEOSS. As such, they not only represent an invaluable wealth but
are also, for many GEO activities, a sine qua non component without which the societal benefits
of Earth observations investments cannot be realised. In addition to data itself, other aspects of
archiving Earth observations includes, metadata, ease of access and inter-operability, among
others.
Archiving can occur at any step described above and is hence broader than the SGDU
mandate. However, SGAR and SGDU have agreed to collaborate to address all aspects of
archiving needs.
6
3
Generic data utilization aspects
3.1
Data policies
Existing data policies will be summarised in a generic way. The complexity and diversity
of approaches will be highlighted. Upcoming issues and challenges will be noted and
generic strategies will be proposed.
General data policy principles will include:
 Coordination/harmonization by GEOSS member countries and relevant international organisations;
 Data policies enunciated clearly and distributed widely;
 Data policies stable in time;
 Data affordability, including for developing countries;
 Privileged access/affordability for R&D;
 Fair contribution from all participants;
 Archive requirements;
 Policy aspect of data accessibility;
 Policy aspect of data timeliness;
 Policy aspect of metadata (documentation on the data);
 Policy aspect of intellectual property.
3.2
Protection of existing radio frequencies for earth observation systems
A specific but important point is the question of protection of radio frequencies necessary for
earth observations in particular for passive measurements. Passive remote sensing is based on
the detection/measurement of emissions at some precise electromagnetic frequencies. Some of
these frequencies are in high demand for active applications not related to GEOSS, i.e. some
groups would like to emit at these currently protected frequencies. Such emissions would
contaminate the signals coming from natural sources and make quality earth observation
measurements difficult or impossible. A specific goal of the GEOSS initiative will be to ensure
that these radio frequencies be protected and used solely by earth observation applications. A
more detailed presentation of this issue can be found Annex 3 (Protection of radio frequencies
used for Earth Exploration by Satellite).
Frequencies used for active remote sensing are also important and must be protected should
they become threatened.
3.3
Standards and practices
For each observation type or system, it is essential that standards be developed shared and
implemented internationally otherwise the value of the earth observation investments will be
significantly reduced.
7
We must ensure technical considerations don’t hamper exchange of data. This is the nuts and
bolts that underlie interoperability.






3.4
Do users share the same standards?
Do they have access to proper encoders and decoders, for free or at a minimal cost?
How can we standardize formats and procedures?
How are we going to handle data quality control?
Will datasets have to be exchanged in real time or not?
How are we going to cope with datasets and archives saved on aging or obsolete
media?
Data quality
Data quality is at the heart of every step of data management. More and more, data are
processed automatically, without human intervention, and the ingestion of bad data or the
occasional rejection of good data may lead decision makers to act based on erroneous or poor
information. The negative impact could be very serious and very costly.
Quality control may take various forms including, proper satellite or instrument calibration,
quality flagging of data, exchange of quality information between countries or agencies and
feedback to data producers.
3.5
Data Continuity
Data users need to have data sources stable over long periods of time, both in terms of
availability and format, because the development of applications is lengthy and costly. This is
particularly true in an operational environment where the assurance of data continuity is
required to deliver the socio-economic benefits from the earth observation investments. Data
continuity also allows users to spread their system costs over time and reduce expenditures by
avoiding having to “chase” replacement data sources or changing data formats. Continuity of
measurement capability and data availability is crucial to motivate investments in operational
data utilization.
3.6
Data utilization
Data utilization is the final purpose of all earth observation investments and activities. Earth
observation data are all intended to be used to further assess and understand our environment
in order to respond to a multitude of societal needs like health and well being, sustainable
development, security, protection against natural disasters and better management of various
economic or human activities. The best approach to data utilization is to take advantage of and
build on structures and mechanisms developed over the years by various countries,
international organisations and science communities.
Most data utilization activities will occur within countries, at national or local levels. All levels of
governments, academia and the private sector must be encouraged to invest in wide ranging
data utilization activities to reap the benefits of earth observation investments. In addition,
countries should be encouraged to share their data utilization approaches, systems and
expertise with other countries, in particular for capacity building purposes.
Global Map, which is developed through cooperative efforts by national mapping organizations
in the world, is such an example in the field of geographic data, which play key role in the
transformation stage from measurements to information.
8
In some application areas, there exist international agreements by which some countries or
organisations have accepted international data utilization responsibilities. These countries or
organisations provide products and services to international or multi-national communities.
WMO Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres (RSMC) are such an example. This is often
the preferred approach when the data utilization processing is very complex and/or expensive.
GEO should encourage countries and organisations to maintain and promote such international
responsibilities when it’s judged this is the most effective way to ensure optimal data utilization.
GEO should encourage countries and multi-national organizations to further develop and
strengthen formal agreements by which data utilization strategies can be shared.
3.7
Transformation of measurements into information
Today, raw measurements are frequently of little direct use. They do not provide the
information required by decision makers without significant processing to transform the
measurements into information. In particular, raw remotely sensed data are seldom of direct
use, for the following reasons:

they are frequently too voluminous for users to handle;

they normally do not directly measure the required parameter;

they usually need to be combined with many other data sources;

the need is often related to evaluating future states of the earth environment.
Very complex analysis, synthesis, data assimilation and modelling processes are already in
existence today in many scientific disciplines. Two well known examples are climate change
simulations and weather forecasting. Earth observations are essential but far from sufficient by
themselves to provide the information required to tackle climate change issues or prediction of
impending storms.
Basic geographic data is important in the integration of datasets from multiple sources. In many
real-life situations, Earth Observation data must be intregrated with other socioeconomic and
GIS data sources, to derive maximum information benefits. Furthermore, investment is needed
to develop high quality geo-referenced data sets in various sectors.
During the 10-year period of the GEOSS, the need to process and transform measurements in
complex ways will increase rapidly. The amount and diversity of earth measurements, in
particular from satellite remote sensing, will grow extremely rapidly, by at least 2 to 3 orders of
magnitude. There will be large requirements for improved calibration techniques between
remotely sensed data and in-situ data, as well as improved methods to properly integrate
various data sources in an optimal fashion, to drive a multitude of environmental prediction
systems. Addressing this is absolutely critical to the success of EOS, i.e. ensuring that earth
observations will be usable and used to address societal needs. This could become the most
challenging data utilization issue ever tackled by environmental scientists. In this regard,
experience has shown extracting all the information acquired through remote sensing and in-situ
measurements requires not only very powerful and sophisticated scientific and technical
equipment and software but also very skilful teams of professionals. There is no doubt that
countries and agencies will have to pay as much attention to the development of their human
expertise as they do for the acquisition of hardware and software.
9
3.8
Information technology considerations
The extremely high volume of data as well as the complexity of the needed processing will pose
tremendous information technology challenges. The need for telecommunications capacity,
computing capacity, storage capacity and data management capacity will likely grow at a
greater rate than what is technologically expected to be achievable. The amount of data and
information involved is such that management and processing will possibly be beyond the
scientific and technological capacity of even the most advanced countries.
3.9
The multi-disciplinary approach
For various reasons, many scientific disciplines involved in the study of our planet have evolved
independently with minimal interactions with each other. But atmosphere, oceans and land
masses are not uncoupled systems. To the contrary, their health and behaviour are very closely
linked and examples abound of links between the various physical ecosystems and all living
species. Things are changing and we must ensure that organizational, technical or technological
considerations do not impose a brake on mutual beneficial cooperation. More and more, a multidisciplinary approach will be the only one appropriate to address issues.
3.10 Research and development
Research and development (R&D) is an essential component in the long process leading to the
use of products by end users. Often, it can take a decade, or longer, to reap the benefits of
R&D. A clear example of this is the impact of the addition of satellite data on the quality of the
weather forecasts for the southern hemisphere which took a little over a decade to reach an
equivalent accuracy to weather forecasts for the northern hemisphere. Systems to transform
data into information require multi-year development. Intensive efforts in research and
development are critical to realizing the full potential of GEOSS. Also needed are mechanisms
to help transfer the results of R&D to operations, minimizing barriers that would impede the
potential use of information by decision makers and users.
3.11 Investments in data utilization
Practically, the best scientific ideas in the world may have no future if we don’t take into account
the costs involved. Data utilization often represents a large burden when we take into account
the acquisition and on-going costs related to computer and telecommunication infrastructures,
data management and scientific staff.
This aspect deals with cost of data utilization itself and not that of taking and sharing of
observations. A review of scientific and technological issues will likely reveal that countries need
to invest much more in data utilization in order to reap the benefits of the GEOSS investments.
10
4
Assessment of Initial GEOSS data utilization tasks
The draft Framework Document agreed at GEO-3 indicates in paragraph 2.1 that GEOSS “will
yield advances in many specific areas of socio-economic benefit, including:









Reducing loss of life and property from natural and human induced disasters;
Understanding environmental factors affecting human health and well being;
Improving management of energy resources;
Understanding, assessing, predicting, mitigating and adapting to climate variability and
change;
Improving water resource management through better understanding of the water cycle;
Improving weather information, forecasting and warning;
Improving the management and protection of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems;
Supporting sustainable agriculture and combating desertification;
Understanding, monitoring and conserving biodiversity."
Figure 1. is a schematic of the observational capabilities and model-assimilation capabilities
needed to provide a consistent synthesis of diverse observations suitable to provide the basis
for improved decision making, and thus the realisation of benefits. Delivery of the socioeconomic benefits within the categories identified by GEO-3 implies substantial Data Utilization
tasks. It is useful at this point to assess the scope and timing of those tasks, by sketching a
phased implementation plan for GEOSS in the period 2005 -2010.
4.1
GEO socio-economic benefits and the infrastructure of observations and
modelling
Although Figure 1. illustrates the observational infrastructure and model-assimilation
infrastructure needed to deliver the GEO socio-economic benefits, it gives no indication of the
detailed relationship between particular observations and particular benefits. To illustrate that
relationship one may go a little deeper, and consider the recent example of successful
experimental forecasts (1-month-lead time) of the incidence of malaria in Botswana over the
period 1987-2000 (Palmer et al. 2004). The forecasts used relationships between the history of
weather and disease-incidence (NRC, 2001) to interpret ensembles of seasonal weather
forecasts made with advanced general circulation models. The models represented the global
atmosphere, ocean, land vegetation, hydrology and cryosphere, and the interactions between
these geophysical domains.
To forecast disease incidence one needs demographic records of disease incidence and
weather, together with observations of all the relevant geophysical domains. In addition one
needs coupled forecast models of these geophysical domains and one needs the associated
data assimilation systems to provide the initial and boundary conditions for the forecasts. The
demographic observations of disease incidence and the geophysical observations of
atmosphere, ocean land vegetation and related soil moisture may be considered part of the
observational infrastructure of GEOSS, while the coupled general circulation models and
associated data assimilation systems may be considered part of the modelling infrastructure of
GEOSS. To deliver the full range of potential GEO benefits for human, animal and plant health,
one needs observational and modelling infrastructure in additional areas including disease, airquality and hydrology.
11
Figure 1. This figure illustrates the delivery of categories of GEO socio-economic benefits (top
row) through utilization of Earth observation data. Different categories of non-satellite
observations and satellite observations are listed in the left and right columns; non-satellite data
includes in-situ data, radar data and other remotely sensed data from aircraft, balloons etc. The
data are combined in a variety of data processing schemes (bottom) to provide assessments of
current status plus future outlooks with their associated uncertainties (lower centre), which in
turn are the basis for the information products on which decision makers can act (upper centre).
The colour scheme for the categories of benefits and observations is light-blue for issues related
to the Earth’s fluid envelope (atmosphere, ocean, rivers…), dark-blue for issues related to solid
earth and ionosphere, and green for human dimensions and biota. Since disasters can arise
from any and all of these domains, the category of socio-economic benefits related to disasters
(such as disaster mitigation, warning, management and recovery) is coloured red.
12
4.2
On-going GEOSS-related infrastructure activities
The requirements for observations and model developments to deliver particular categories of
GEO socio-economic benefits (e.g. climate) have been studied intensively in recent years,
resulting in the funding of observational initiatives and modelling initiatives which will mature and
deliver operational products between 2005 and 2010.
Useful studies of requirements include the series of IGOS-P Theme reports, the Global Carbon
Plan, the North American Carbon Plan, the Second GCOS adequacy report and WCRP’s
report on space mission requirements, to mention just a few. Observational initiatives include insitu measurements (e.g. ARGO profiling floats, MOZAIC air-chemistry measurements, and
Aeronet and Fluxnet measurements) and satellite measurements (EOS, ADEOS, ENVISAT,
METOP, NPP). Data utilization initiatives include the EU/ GMES Integrated Projects on Ocean,
Land, Atmospheric Composition, Water Resources and Risks.
Realisation by GEO partners of these observational and modelling initiatives between 2005 and
2010 will put in place, step by step, essential start-up elements of the GEOSS infrastructure.
Each step in the start-up process will result in step-wise improvements of the delivered socioeconomic benefits. Indeed, as a general rule for GEOSS, successive incremental upgrades in
infrastructures for observations and modelling will deliver corresponding incremental
improvements across many categories of GEO socio-economic benefits.
In assessing the scope of the data utilization tasks it is important to bear in mind the broad
range of scales in space and time to be addressed by GEOSS. By 2010 one can envisage in
some areas operational global earth-system models with 10 km horizontal resolution,
continental scale earth-system models with 1 km resolution, and smaller regions covered by
earth-system models with still higher resolution. Such a chain of interacting models representing land biomass, hydrology, coastal zones, ocean, atmosphere, air chemistry and
hazards - can provide a coherent framework to understand and predict the links and interconnections of global-scale meteorological and environmental events and processes with
regional and local issues related to water and sanitation, renewable energy, health, agriculture
and bio-diversity conservation.
4.3
Data Utilization tasks in the GEOSS start-up phase
A sketch plan for a phased GEOSS implementation is outlined in Figure 2. The sketch plan was
constructed by arranging the initiatives just discussed in a likely sequence of operational
implementations, where operational means that some of the required in-situ and space assets
become available in the time frame indicated, and that routine operational Data Utilization
activity will be undertaken by one or more GEO partners.
The table suggests that the GEOSS start-up will be the result of a phased implementation of
observational and modeling infrastructure, based on existing investments and plans of GEO
partners. This will require a great deal of data utilization work on the observational and
modeling infrastructures. It is also clear that delivery of the socio-economic benefits in particular
regions will require the systematic compilation by GEO participants of a wide variety of socioeconomic and geographic data to meet their individual needs.
13
4.4
Full Exploitation of the Potential of GEOSS
Delivery of the full potential of GEOSS will require considerably more effort than that suggested
by Figure 2. for the start-up phase because user requirements will be better articulated in more
geographic regions and in more spheres of activity. In addition advances in the geophysical and
social sciences & technologies which under-pin GEOSS, and advances in observation
capabilities will together offer new opportunities for further improvements in the socio-economic
deliverables.
Figure 2. The figure illustrates the relationship between categories of GEOSS socio-economic
benefits (in columns 1-9, labelled in blue) and GEOSS-related observation and modelling
initiatives from GEO Member States and the EU, which are currently in progress or in
preparation, as well as potential GEO initiatives on Health, Biodiversity and Climate (in rows 111, labelled in red). An asterisk in the table implies that the infrastructure development of that
row will deliver an improvement in the socio-economic category of that column. The figure also
outlines the time-scale on which the infrastructure developments may be expected. Many of the
initiatives are planned or implemented with the help of national and international organisations;
the acronyms used to identify these partners are explained in Table 1.
14
Table 1: Table of acronyms referred to in Figure 2. and related web-sites
CBD
Convention on
Biodiversity
http://www.biodiv.org/default.aspx
CEOS
Committee on Earth
Observation Satellites
http://www.ceos.org/
GAW
Global Atmosphere
Watch
http://www.wmo.ch/web/arep/gaw/gaw_home.html
GCOS
Global Climate
Observing System
http://www.wmo.ch/web/gcos/gcoshome.html
GCP
Global Carbon Project
http://www.globalcarbonproject.org/
GMES
Global Monitoring for
Environment and
Security
Global Ocean
Observing System
http://gmes.info/
GTOS
Global Terrestrial
Observing System
http://www.fao.org/gtos/
IGOS
The Integrated Global
Observing Strategy
http://www.igospartners.org/
IOC
International
Oceanographic
Commission
International Steering
Committee for Global
Mapping
North American Carbon
Program Plan
http://ioc.unesco.org/iocweb/index.php
WCRP
World Climate Research
Programme
http://www.wmo.ch/web/wcrp/wcrp-home.html
WHO
World Health
Organisation
http://www.who.int/en/
WMO
World Meteorological
Organization
http://www.wmo.ch/indexflash.html
GOOS
ISCGM
NACP
http://ioc.unesco.org/goos/
http://www.iscgm.org/
http://www.esig.ucar.edu/nacp/index.html
15
5
Future work of SGDU
The SGDU has focused on identifying the key issues and aspects critical to effective data
utilization. To this end it has followed the guidance provided by GEO of building on existing
systems and initiatives and developed an analysis of some existing earth observation initiatives
that directly apply to the societal benefit objectives agreed at GEO-3. This report by the SGDU
represents the work done up to this point and in preparation to the beginning of the writing of the
10-year GEOSS Implementation Plan (IP). An Implementation Plan Task Team (IPTT)
organized by GEO will lead the writing of the IP.
It is now time for the SGDU to turn its focus to those tasks needed to complete the TOR
provided by GEO and support the writing of the IP. The following tasks outline the work to be
done.

Identify and document relevant international earth observation data policies.

Develop a data utilization model for the 10-year implementation plan. This model will
consist of a set of Data Utilization Strategies (DUS) to be applied to each system to be
considered within GEOSS. The goal of these strategies is to minimize barriers to data
accessibility and utility. Each DUS should consider the following:
1. Impact of data policies and complexities of diverse data sources.
2. Evaluation of alternatives with respect to meeting desired outcomes and required
functions, including resource implications.
3. Identify and prioritize actions required to implement the long-term DUS.
4. Recommend a long-term DUS for the 10-year implementation plan.

Other work as requested by the IPTT.
16
6
Sample Data Utilization Strategies
The following represent some DUS’s and some aspects of each that should be considered as
part of the model for the IP. These should not be considered complete in any way. The
completion of these DUS’s, the methods of their application, the range of their alternatives and
the recommended long term goal of each will be completed as input to the IP by the SGDU.

Instrument and data calibration DUS:
1. Consistent calibration methodologies

Metadata DUS:
1. Common metadata format for similar datasets.
2. Access to metadata

Data format DUS:
1. Common data formats
2. Agreed international standards
3. Published and readily available documentation

Quality control DUS :

Archive DUS :
1. Accessibility
2. Published format
3. User registration

Data/information management DUS :
1. Established coordination group
2. Means of access

Data exchange DUS:
1. Timeliness, real time delivery or?
2. Latency

Data/information affordability DUS:
1. Cost of data/information, metadata, documentation
2. Shared?
3. Tiered?

Interoperability DUS:
1. Internationally agreed standards
2. Published documentation

Data transformation DUS:
1. Recognized and published algorithm
2. Vetted internationally
17

Multi-disciplinary, multi-benefit DUS:
1. Data/information has utility across more than one science discipline
2. Data/information has utility across more than one societal benefit

Information sharing DUS:
1. Openly available
2. Little or no cost
REFERENCES
NRC (2001): Under the Weather: Climate, Ecosystems, and Infectious Disease; pub. Committee
on Climate, Ecosystems, Infectious Diseases, and Human Health, Board on Atmospheric
Sciences and Climate, National Research Council, Washington DC, USA, 160 pages, ISBN 0309-07278-6. Chapters of this report may be read at
http://www.nap.edu/books/0309072786/html/
Palmer, T. N., A. Alessandri, U. Andersen, P. Cantelaube, M. Davey, P. Délécluse, M. Déqué,
E. Díez, F. J. Doblas-Reyes, H. Feddersen, R. Graham, S. Gualdi, J.-F. Guérémy, R. Hagedorn,
M. Hoshen, N. Keenlyside, M. Latif, A. Lazar, E. Maisonnave, V. Marletto, A. P. Morse, B. Orfila,
P. Rogel, J.-M. Terres, M. C. Thomson, 2004: Development of a European multi-model
ensemble system for seasonal to inter-annual prediction (DEMETER), Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
accepted
for
publication.
This
paper
may
be
downloaded
from
http://www.ecmwf.int/research/demeter/data/bams_paper.pdf
18
Annex 1
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Recalling the GEO Terms of Reference adopted on 1 August 2003 at GEO-1, the GEO
establishes a Subgroup on Data Utilization and sets forth the following legally non-binding
Terms of Reference:
1. Purpose
The Subgroup on Data Utilization will seek to develop a long-term data utilization strategy
for the 10-year implementation plan for a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained Earth
observation system or systems, including in situ, airborne, and space-borne observations,
taking into account existing activities, and building on existing systems and initiatives.
2. Objectives
2.1.
Review and document relevant international Earth observation data policies.
2.2.
Identify possible barriers to data accessibility and utility and develop strategies to
minimize them.
2.3.
Encourage the development and use of common data standards and formats and
consistent calibration methodologies to facilitate broader data access and use, and
to enhance data preservation, where appropriate.
2.4.
Address data utilization challenges and requirements, such as complexities of
various data and metadata sources, quality control, archives, and data management
systems.
2.5.
Develop a data utilization model for the 10-year implementation plan.
3. Approach and Functions
3.1.
Identify and evaluate existing data utilization approaches for suitability and viability
for use under the 10-year plan, including such matters as:
a. Capture of metadata;
b. Instrument and data calibration;
c. Format and exchange standards for data and metadata;
d. Catalogues and directories, including interoperability;
e. Data and metadata availability, including cost and timeliness;
f. Data policies and complexities of diverse data sources.
3.2.
Evaluate alternatives with respect to meeting desired outcomes and required
functions, including resource implications.
3.3.
Identify and prioritize actions required to implement the long-term strategy.
3.4.
Recommend a long-term data utilization strategy for the 10-year implementation
plan.
4. Subgroup Organization and Reporting
19
4.1.
The Subgroup welcomes and is open to all interested GEO Members and participant
organizations. The GEO Secretariat will maintain the list of current Subgroup
Members and participants.
4.2.
Representatives of Members and participant organizations may chair or co-chair this
Subgroup. The Subgroup chairs or co-chairs will be nominated to and approved by
the GEO; additional co-chairs may be designated by consensus of Subgroup
Members.
4.3.
Additional technical experts may participate in Subgroup deliberations at the
invitation of a GEO Member or participant organization.
4.4.
The Subgroup will meet at such times and places as determined by its Members.
4.5.
The Subgroup will work by consensus of its Members.
4.6.
The co-chairs of this Subgroup will report progress to the GEO Secretariat at
appropriate intervals, and deliver progress reports at each GEO meeting.
4.7.
The Sub-group may set up Task teams to address particular issues under its
mandate.
4.8.
The co-chairs of this Subgroup are encouraged to share documents, collaborate, and
coordinate with other Subgroups.
5. Funding
Unless otherwise agreed, any costs arising from activities under these Terms of
Reference will be borne by the Member or participant that incurs them, and will be
subject to the availability of funds, personnel, and other resources.
6. Duration
6.1.
All activities under these Terms of Reference will commence upon adoption and will
continue for the duration and life of the ad hoc Group on Earth Observations, unless
otherwise terminated.
6.2.
The terms of this document may be modified at any time by written agreement of the
GEO Members.
20
Annex 2
Subgroup on Data Utilization members
* Indicates Co-Chair
Brazil*
Canada*
Canada
Canada
Canada
European Centre for Medium
Range Forecasts (ECMWF)*
European Centre for Medium
Range Forecasts (ECMWF)
European Centre for Medium
Range Forecasts (ECMWF)
United States*
United States
United States
United States
United States
Argentina
Australia
Australia
Belgium
Reinaldo Bonfim da Silveira
Pierre Dubreuil
Robert Mailhot
Dave Steenbergen
Jean Marc Chouinard
rsilve@inmet.gov.br
Pierre.Dubreuil@ec.gc.ca
Robert.Mailhot@ec.gc.ca
Dave.Steenbergen@ec.gc.ca
jean-marc.chouinard@space.gc.ca
Dominique Marbouty
d.marbouty@ecmwf.int
Anthony Hollingsworth
tony.hollingsworth@ecmwf.int
Manfred Kloeppel
Jack Kelly
Gladys Cotter
Fred Branski
Neil Wyse
Jack Hill
Laura Frulla
Tony Haymet
Susan Barrell
Carine Petit
manfred.kloeppel@ecmwf.int
Jack.Kelly@noaa.gov
gladys_cotter@usgs.gov
fred.banski@noaa.gov
neil.wyse@noaa.gov
jhill@usgs.gov
lfrulla@conae.gov.ar
Tony.Haymet@csiro.au
S.Barrell@bom.gov.au
peti@belspo.be
Belgium
Belgium
Commitee On Earth Observation
Staellites (CEOS)
China
European Commision (EC)
European Space Agency (ESA)
France
Global Climate Observing
System (GCOS)
Germany
Greece
Integrated Global Observing
Strategy (IGOS)
International Oceanographic
Commission (IOC)/Global Ocean
Observing System (GOOS)
Israel
Italy
Italy
Iran
Iran
Japan
Japan
Netherlands
Norway
Partnership for Observation of
the Global Ocean (POGO)
Dirk De Muer
Jo Van Valkenburg
dirk.demuer@oma.be
Jo.VanValckenborgh@vlm.be
Deren Li
dli@wtusm.edu
Francesco Pignatelli
Huw Hopkins
Phillipe Veyre
francesco.pignatelli@jrc.it
Huw.Hopkins@esa.int
philippe.veyre@meteo.fr
Alan R. Thomas
Gerald Braun
Evangelia Nikoloyianni
thomas_a@gateway.wmo.ch
gerald.braun@dlr.de
enikoloy@ktimatologio.gr
John Townshend
jtownshe@geog.umd.edu
Peter Pissiersens
Pinhas Alpert
Antonio Navarra
Sergio Castellari
Hiroshi Fukai
Misako Kachi
Reinout Boers
Per Erik Skrovseth
p.pissierssens@unesco.org
alpert@climate.gsfc.nasa.gov
navarra@ingv.it
castellari@bo.ingv.it
basiparsa@irimet.net
rahim_f@irimet.net
h4fukai@mext.go.jp
kachi@mext.go.jp
boers@knmi.nl
per.erik.skrovseth@spacecentre.no
Edward Hill
ehill@pol.ac.uk
21
Russian Federation
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Sweden
Thailand
Thailand
United Kingdom
United Nations Environment
Program (UNEP)
Uzbekistan
World Climate Research
Programme (WCRP)
World Meteorological
Organization (WMO)
Alexey S. Movlyav
alex@sovinformsputnik.com
José L. Camacho
Erik Liljas
Bengt Dahlstrom
Thongchai Charuppat
Praneet Ditsariyakul
Steven Wilson
camacho@inm.es
erik.liljas@smhi.se
bengt.dahlstrom@smhi.se
thongc@gistda.or.th
praneet@gistda.or.th
steven.wilson@nerc.ac.uk
Ashbindu Singh
Ashbindu.Singh@rona.unep.org
sanigmi@albatros.uz
Gilles Sommeria
GSommeria@wmo.int
Kenneth Davidson
KDavidson@wmo.int
22
23
Annex 3
Protection of Radio Frequencies
Used for Earth Exploration by Satellite
Passive frequency bands
Space-borne passive sensing of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere has an essential and
increasing importance in Earth Observation. The impressive progress made in the recent years
as well as expected future development in weather analysis, warning and forecasts in particular
for dangerous weather phenomena (rain and floods, storms, cyclones, droughts) and in the
study and prediction of climate change, is mainly attributable to the space borne observations.
On this basis, economic studies show that meteorological services have a high positive impact
on a wide range of economic activities, notwithstanding safety of life and property aspects.
Space-borne passive sensing feeds crucial observational data to numerical weather prediction
models run on the most advanced super-computers that are operated by a few global
forecasting centres. All meteorological and environmental satellite organisations operate these
crucial remote-sensing missions as part of the GOS of the World Weather Watch.
Space-borne passive sensing for meteorological applications is performed in frequency bands
allocated to the Earth Exploration-Satellite Service (EESS) (passive) in the ITU-R Radio
Regulations. The appropriate bands are uniquely determined by the physical properties (e.g.
molecular resonance) of constituents of the atmosphere, and are therefore one of the unique
natural resources (similarly to Radio Astronomy bands). Measurements at several frequencies
in the microwave spectrum must be made simultaneously in order to extract the individual
contribution of the geophysical parameter of interest. Bands below 100 GHz are of particular
importance to provide an “all-weather” capability since clouds are almost transparent at these
frequencies.
Along this line, Figure 1. describes respectively the zenithal opacity of the atmosphere due to
water vapour and dry components in the frequency range 1 to 275 GHz on which have been
based the definition of most of the current allocations to EESS (passive) that are listed, as
currently specified in ITU-R Recommendation SA.515-4, in Table 1. Interference criteria and
performance criteria of passive sensors are indicated in ITU-R Recommendation SA.1028-2 and
1029-2, respectively.
In addition, Figure 2. also gives the sensitivity of frequency bands between 1 and 40 GHz to
some geophysical parameters over ocean surface that are able to be determined by passive
sensing (similar curves also describes the situation above land surfaces).
Passive sensors measure natural radiations, most of the time at very low level, which represent
noise for radio-communications in other frequency bands. They integrate all natural (wanted)
and man-made (unwanted) emissions within a given band and cannot differentiate between
these two kinds of signals, since the atmosphere is a highly smoothing medium with fast
changing characteristics, spatially and temporally. Passive services are hence extremely
24
vulnerable to interference and need absolute protection. Any artificial increase of the noise due
to man-made in-band or out-of-band emissions immediately results in a detrimental impact to
operational and research meteorology and definitely jeopardizes future development and
progress.
The passive frequency bands can be split in 4 categories:




frequency bands currently quoted in footnote 5.340 of the Radio Regulations that
stipulates that all emissions are prohibited and that hence, are assumed to be fully
protected,
frequency bands where the EESS (passive) has a co-primary allocation with active
services. In some of these bands, sharing conditions are defined in the Radio
Regulations as, for example, power limitations, but, in most of them, sharing studies are
either not completed or missing. Agenda item 1.2 (WRC-07) deals with such sharing
issues with active services,
frequency bands which is either allocated to the EESS (passive) on secondary basis or
indicated in footnote,
frequency bands above 275 GHz which still need consolidation scientific and technical
studies to define the optimum characteristics of the concerned channel. The bands in the
275GHz-3000GHz range are hence not yet allocated in the Radio Regulations but this
issue is currently on agenda item 2.2 of the WRC-2010 preliminary agenda.
Due to the worldwide development of telecommunications and radiocommunications in
particular, the pressure of active services on using the same or adjacent frequency bands used
for passive sensing is important and likely to increase in the forthcoming years.
Even the frequency bands assumed to be protected by footnote 5.340 (see above) are still
under pressure with regards to unwanted emissions from actives services operating in adjacent
frequency bands and/or from new technology Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) applications that recently
arise.
The issue of protection of passive bands from unwanted emissions are on going within the ITUR and the related agenda item 1.20 for the next WRC-07 will be studied within a specific ITU-R
Task Group (TG) 1/9.
Similarly, the other specific ITU-R TG 1/8 studies the impact and possible future regulations for
UWB applications. These new technologies, also considered in ITU-R Resolution 952 (WRC03), use bandwidth of several GHz and may hence covers multiple frequency ranges and
potentially impact large number of radio services in all frequency bands, currently between 3
and 79 GHz, among of them, EESS (passive).
Among others and as typical examples, such a situation is currently occurring in the two
following frequency bands covered by footnote 5.340 in the radio Regulations:

passive frequency band 1400-1427 MHz endangered by unwanted emissions resulting
from a new allocation to Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) for Mobile Satellite Service (MSS)
systems feeder links in a nearby band decided at the last WRC-03. This allocation is to
be confirmed at the next WRC-07 (agenda item 1.17) after completion of the
compatibility studies.
25

passive frequency band 23.6-24 GHz which may be jeopardized by 24 GHz UWB ShortRange Radars (SRR) used for automotive purposes. These SRR are expected to
transmit in a 5 GHz bandwidth, covering in particular the 23.6-24 GHz and their possible
deployment is currently under discussion. This use, which has already been accepted in
the US, is under study within Europe on the basis of a temporary introduction. The whole
scientific community, including Radio astronomy experts that are also using this 23.6-24
GHz band, facing the powerful automotive lobby, has been heavily deploying effort to
convince Administrations that, even though this temporary approach may be
theoretically feasible, the unresolved regulatory issues makes practical control of SRR
density difficult to achieve and the transfer of SRR from 24 to 79 GHz bands
unguaranteed. In addition, it is foreseen the risk that the 24 GHz temporary solution is
transformed into a permanent solution under economical and political pressure.
Active frequency bands
In addition, the case of EESS active frequency bands has also to be considered. These bands
are used for multiple different purposes (Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR), precipitation radars,
cloud profile radars, Altimeters, Scatterometers…) that all take part of meteorology and
environmental measurements and survey. Even though, by principle, these bands (see Table 2)
are relatively less sensitive to interference than passive bands, sharing issues with other active
services occur that may also jeopardised measurements carried-on with the existing and future
sensors.
As an example, last WRC-03 has allocated the band 5 150-5 350 MHz on a primary basis to the
mobile service for the implementation of wireless access systems (WAS), including RLAN. Even
though this allocation is associated with several measures drawn to ensure the protection of
EESS active in the band 5250-5350 MHz (mainly a set of EIRP limits that apply to RLANs), the
limitation to indoor use, essential to the protection of EESS active and currently regulated within
Europe, has not been retained on a world-wide basis. Administrations are however requested to
take appropriate measures that will result in the predominant deployment of RLANs in indoor
environment but the non-mandatory status of this indoor deployment create a risk of highly
detrimental interference that may endanger future EESS operations.
For more information
More detailed information about Earth Exploration Satellite Service (EESS) is currently
developed in section 5 of the handbook on "the use of radio spectrum for meteorology". This
handbook, issued in 2002, has been edited by both the International Telecommunications Union
(ITU) and World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and is available on the website of both
these international bodies.
Apart from these two International Organisations, it is worth noting that these issues are also
discussed within specific groups such as the "Space Frequency Coordination Group" (SFCG)
where common positions are defined among all the relevant space agencies, the "International
TOVS Working Group" (ITWG) where operational and research users of passive measurements
coordinate their efforts and the “Committee on Earth Observation Satellites” (CEOS) where
space-related Earth observation activities are coordinated and promoted (see respectively:
cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/itwg/,.www.sfcgonline.org, and www.ceos.org).
26
ATMOSPHERIC OPACITY IN FREQUENCY RANGE 1-275 GHz
1.E+03
Water vapour tropical
Oxygen
1.E+02
1.E+01
Water vapour sub-arctic
Vertical opacity (dB)
1.E+00
1.E-01
1.E-02
1.E-03
1.E-04
Minor constituents
1.E-05
1.E-06
1.E-07
1
26
51
76
101
126
151
176
201
226
251
Frequency (GHz)
Figure 1.
Zenithal opacity of the atmosphere due to water vapour and dry components
in the range 1-275 GHz
Salinity
Wind speed
Liquid clouds
+
Water vapour
Tb
Pi
–
0
Frequency (GHz)
10
20
30
40
Sea surface
temperature
Meteo-052
Figure 2.
Sensitivity of brightness temperature to geophysical parameters over ocean
surface
27
Table 1 - EESS Passive Frequency Bands (page 1/3)
Frequency
band(s)(1)
(GHz)
Total
bandwidth
required
(MHz)
Spectral line(s)
or centre
frequency
(GHz)
1.37-1.4s,
1.4-1.427P
100
1.4
Soil moisture, ocean salinity, sea
surface temperature, vegetation
index
N
2.64-2.655s,
2.655-2.69s,
2.69-2.7P
45
2.7
Ocean salinity, soil moisture,
vegetation index
N
4.2-4.4s,
4.95-4.99s
200
4.3
Sea surface temperature
N
6.425-7.25
200
6.85
Sea surface temperature
N
10.6-10.68p,
10.68-10.7P
100
10.65
Rain rate, snow water content, ice
morphology, sea state, ocean
wind speed
N
15.2-15.35s,
15.35-15.4P
200
15.3
Water vapour, rain rate
N
18.6-18.8p
200
18.7
Rain rates, sea state, sea ice,
water vapour, ocean wind speed,
soil emissivity and humidity
N
21.2-21.4p
200
21.3
Water vapour, liquid water
N
22.21-22.5p
300
22.235
Water vapour, liquid water
N
23.8
Water vapour, liquid water,
associated channel for
atmospheric sounding
N
500
31.4
Sea ice, water vapour, oil spills,
clouds, liquid water, surface
temperature, reference window for
50-60 GHz range
N
1 000
36.5
Rain rates, snow, sea ice, clouds
N
50.2-50.4P
200
50.3
Reference window for
atmospheric temperature profiling
(surface temperature)
N
52.6-54.25P,
54.25-59.3p
6 700(3)
Several
between
52.6-59.3
Atmospheric temperature profiling
(O2 absorption lines)
N
86-92P
6 000
89
Clouds, oil spills, ice, snow, rain,
reference window for temperature
soundings near 118 GHz
N
23.6-24P
31.3-31.5P,
31.5-31.8p
36-37p
400
Measurement
Scan
mode
N, L(2)
28
Table 1 - EESS Passive Frequency Bands (page 2/3)
Frequency
band(s)(1)
(GHz)
Total
bandwidth
required
(MHz)
Spectral line(s)
or centre
frequency
(GHz)
Measurement
Scan
mode
N, L(2)
100-102P
2 000
100.49
N2O, NO
L
109.5-111.8P
2 000
110.8
O3
L
114.25-116P
1 750
115.27
CO
L
115.25-116P,
116-122.25p
7 000(3)
118.75
Atmospheric temperature profiling
(O2 absorption line)
N, L
148.5-151.5P
3 000
150.74
N2O, Earth surface temperature,
cloud parameters, reference
window for temperature soundings
N, L
155.5158.5(4)p
3 000
157
164-167P
3 000(3)
164.38, 167.2
N2O, cloud water and ice, rain,
CO, ClO
N, L
174.8-182p,
182-185P,
185-190p,
190-191.8P
17 000(3)
175.86, 177.26,
183.31, 184.75
N2O, Water vapour profiling, O3
N, L
200-209P
9 000(3)
200.98, 203.4,
204.35, 206.13,
208.64
N2O, ClO, water vapour, O3
Earth and cloud parameters
N
L
226-231.5P
5 500
226.09, 230.54,
231.28
Clouds, humidity, N2O
(226.09 GHz), CO
(230.54 GHz), O3
(231.28 GHz), reference
window
235-238p
3 000
235.71, 237.15
O3
L
250-252P
2 000
N, L
251.21
N2O
L
275-277
(3)
2 000
276.33
NO, N2O (276.33 GHz)
L
294-306
12 000(3)
301.44
NO, N2O (301.44 GHz), O3, O2,
HNO3, HOCl
N, L
316-334
18 000(3)
325.15
Water vapour profiling
(325.1 GHz), O3, HOCl
N, L
342-349
7 000(3)
345.8, 346
CO (345.8 GHz), HNO3, CH3Cl,
O3, oxygen, HOCl
N, L
363-365
2 000
364.32
O3
L
380.2
Water vapour profiling
N
N
(3)
371-389
18 000
416-434
18 000(3)
425
Temperature profiling
442-444
(3)
443
H2O, O3, HNO3, N2O, CO
2 000
N, L
29
Table 1 - EESS Passive Frequency Bands (page 3/3)
Frequency
band(s)(1)
(GHz)
Total
bandwidth
required
(MHz)
Spectral line(s)
or centre
frequency
(GHz)
Measurement
496-506
10 000(3)
498.1, 498.2,
498.3, 498.4,
498.5, 498.6
546-568
22 000(3)
557
5 000(3)
624.27, 624.34,
624.77, 625.37,
625.92, 627.18,
627.77, 628.46
HCl, BrO, O3, HCl, SO2, H2O2
634-654
20 000(3)
635.87, 642.85,
647.2, 649.45,
649.7, 650.28,
650.73, 651.77,
652.83
CH3Cl, HOCl, ClO, water vapour,
N2O, BrO, O3
659-661
2 000
660.49
624-629
O3, CH3Cl, N2O, BrO, ClO,
water vapour profiling
N, L
Water vapour profiling
N, L
L
N, L
BrO
L
688
ClO, CO, CH3Cl
L
2 000(3)
731
Oxygen, HNO3
L
2 000
852
NO
L
Oxygen, NO
L
684-692
(3)
8 000
730-732
851-853
951-956
Scan
mode
N, L(2)
(3)
5 000
952, 955
(1)
P: Primary Allocation, shared only with passive services (RR No. 5.340); p: primary allocation,
shared with active services; s: secondary allocation.
(2)
N: Nadir, Nadir scan modes concentrate on sounding or viewing the Earth’s surface at angles
of nearly perpendicular incidence. The scan terminates at the surface or at various levels in
the atmosphere according to the weighting functions. L: Limb, Limb scan modes view the
atmosphere “on edge” and terminate in space rather than at the surface, and accordingly are
weighted zero at the surface and maximum at the tangent point height.
(3)
This bandwidth is occupied by multiple channels.
(4)
This band is needed until 2018 to accommodate existing and planned sensors.
HNO3: Nitric acid
H2O2: Hydrogen peroxide
SO2: Sulphur dioxide
CH3Cl: Methyl chloride
HOCl: Hypochlorous acid
NO: Nitric oxide
BrO:
Bromine monoxide
N2O:
Nitrous acid
CO: Carbon monoxide
HCl:
Hydrochloric acid
ClO:
Chlorine monoxide
O3:
Ozone
30
31
Table 2 - EESS Active Frequency Bands (page 1 of 2)
Frequency
band (GHz)
0.420-0.470
Allocation status
User objectives
Users
Secondary in the
432-438 MHz
None in the
remaining parts of
the band
RR No 5.279A
PRIMARY
RR Nos. 5.332 and
5.335A
Forest monitoring
(biomass)
P-band SAR
Airborne SAR
Wave structure,
vegetation, biomass,
geology, soil moisture,
interferometry (DEM)
3.1-3.3
Secondary
Geology
5.15-5.25
None
5.25-5.57
PRIMARY
RR Nos. 5.447D,
5.448A, B
Geology,
oceanography, sea
ice, land use, interferometry (DEM)
Geology, vegetation,
oceanography,
altimetry, sea ice, land
use, inter-ferometry
(DEM), SAR
L-band SAR
(SAR/JERS-1, SIR-C,
PALSAR/ALOS,
TerraSAR(L),
AirborneSAR)
S-band SAR,
Scatterometers,
Altimeter (Envisat RA-2
second frequency)
High resolution radar
altimeters (Jason)
8.55-8.65
PRIMARY
RR No. 5.469A
9.5-9.8
PRIMARY
RR No. 5.476A
9.975-10.025
Secondary
RR No. 5.479
13.25-13.75
PRIMARY
RR Nos. 5.498A,
5.501B
17.2-17.3
PRIMARY
RR No. 5.513A
Secondary
1.215-1.300
24.05-24.25
High resolution SAR
applications (tactical)
plus snow and ice
High resolution SAR
applications (tactical)
plus snow and ice
High resolution SAR
applications (tactical)
plus snow and ice
Wind, ice, geoid
Vegetation, snow,
rain, wind
Rain
C-band SAR (RADARSAT,
Envisat, Airborne SAR),
Scatterometers,
Altimeters (AMI, ASCAT,
ASAR, ALT/dual, IKAR-N)
Not identified
X-band SAR
(TerraSAR(X)),
AirborneSAR, Okean-O
SLR
Not identified
Ku-band scatterometers,
altimeters (NSCAT,
ALT/dual, PR, R225,
IKAR-D&N, RA, RA-2,
DPR)
Rain radars precipitation
radar, scatterometers
Rain radars precipitation
radar (IKAR-D & N)
32
Table 2 - EESS Active Frequency Bands (page 2 of 2)
Frequency band
(GHz)
Allocation status
User objectives
35.5-36
PRIMARY
RR No. 5.549A
Ice, rain, wind, geoid,
snow, oceanography
78-79
PRIMARY
RR No. 5.560
94.0-94.1
PRIMARY
RR No. 5.562
Altimetry (land and
ice) at high spatial
resolution
Cloud profiling
133.5-134
PRIMARY
RR No. 5.562E
RR No. 5.563B
237.9-238
Users
Altimeters,
scatterometers,
precipitation radar
(IKAR-N, DPR/GPM,
AltiKa)
Radio altimeters
Cloud profiling
Cloud profile radars
(ESA CPR,
CPR/NASA, IKAR-D
& N)
Cloud profile radars
Cloud profiling
Cloud profile radars
33