Abstract
In November 2010, the Geographic Earth Observation (GEO) group that is responsible for the set up and implementation of the Geographic Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) held its Ministerial Summit in Beijing, China, that resulted in the adoption of a series of important documents that form the basis for the actions aimed at making GEOSS operational. They include the GEOSS Data Sharing Action Plan, the Mid-Term Evaluation of GEOSS Implementation, and the Report on Progress regarding the implementation of GEOSS. In the Declaration of 5 November 2010, GEO stressed the importance of the adoption of the GEOSS Data Sharing Implementation Guidelines and the Action Plan for the success of GEOSS and improved access to global Earth observation (EO) data and resources. Adherence to the data sharing principles embodied in them by all actors involved in GEOSS is seen as quintessential for the successful development and operation of the system of systems. The Declaration furthermore urges GEOSS participants to adopt more open domestic data policies that would extend free and unrestricted use of EO data beyond their participation in GEOSS, as well as enable more effective and efficient implementation of its Data Sharing Principles. The endorsement of GEOSS Data Sharing Principles brings the goal of setting up GEOSS much closer to realisation, enabling “open data exchange across different legal traditions and jurisdictions and reducing institutional, legal, and cultural impediments to data sharing”.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Notes
- 1.
“GEOSS Data Sharing Action Plan.” 3–4 Nov. 2010. Group on Earth Observations 8 Feb. 2012 http://www.earthobservations.org/documents/geo_vii/07_GEOSS%20Data%20Sharing%20Action%20Plan%20Rev2.pdf.
- 2.
“Mid-Term Evaluation of GOSS Implementation.” 3–4 Nov. 2010. Group on Earth Observations 8 Feb. 2012 http://www.earthobservations.org/documents/geo_vii/06_Mid-Term%20Evaluation%20of%20GEOSS%20Implementation%20Rev1.pdf.
- 3.
“Report on Progress Beijing Ministerial Summit: Observe, Share, Inform.” 5 Nov. 2010. Group on Earth Observations 8 Feb. 2012 http://www.earthobservations.org/documents/ministerial/beijing/MS2_The%20GEO%20Report%20on%20Progress.pdf.
- 4.
“The GEO Beijing Declaration: Observe, Share, Inform.” 5 Nov. 2010. Group on Earth Observation 8 Feb. 2012 http://www.earthobservations.org/documents/ministerial/beijing/MS1_The%20GEO%20Beijing%20Declaration.pdf.
- 5.
GEOSS Data Sharing Action Plan, 7.
- 6.
Ibid: 9.
- 7.
The list of products is available in the 2009–2011 Work Plan Progress Report, 2–3. “2009–2011 Work Plan Progress Report.” 16–17 Nov. 2011. Group on Earth Observations 8 Feb. 2012 http://www.earthobservations.org/documents/geo-viii/05_2009-2011%20Work%20Plan%20Progress%20Report.pdf.
- 8.
As outlined in the Report on Progress Beijing Ministerial Summit: Observe, Share, Inform.
- 9.
Including Brazil, China, Japan, South Africa, Spain, UK, USA, ESA, EUMETSAT. Individual contributions are highlighted in the 2009–2011 Work Plan Progress Report, 13–14.
- 10.
More information see in the 2009–2011 Work Plan Progress Report, 6–7.
- 11.
“Data Management: Strategic Target.” Group on Earth Observations 8 Feb. 2012 http://www.earthobservations.org/geoss_ta_da_tar.shtml.
- 12.
The 2009–2011 Work Plan Progress Report, 10–11.
- 13.
“GEONETCast.” Group on Earth Observations 1 Feb. 2011 http://www.earthobservations.org/geonetcast.shtml.
- 14.
“Report on Progress Beijing Summit: Observe, Share, Inform.” 5 Nov. 2010. Group on Earth Observations 29 Aug. 2011, 38 http://www.earthobservations.org/documents/geo_vii/geo7_report_on_progress.pdf.
- 15.
“White Paper on the GEOSS Data Sharing Principles.” 27 Sept. 2008. Group on Earth Observations 1 Feb. 2011, lines 14–16 http://www.earthobservations.org/documents/dsp/Draft%20White%20Paper%20for%20GEOSS%20Data%20Sharing%20Policies_27Sept08.pdf.
- 16.
“Implementation Guidelines for the GEOSS Data Sharing Principles.” 17–18 Nov. 2009. Group on Earth Observations 29 Aug. 2011, Section 2 http://www.earthobservations.org/documents/geo_vi/07_Implementation%20Guidelines%20for%20the%20GEOS%20Data%20Sharing%20Principles%20Rev2.pdf.
- 17.
Section 2.2 of the Implementation Guidelines for the GEOSS Data Sharing Principles, supra note 673; White Paper on the GEOSS Data Sharing Principles, supra note 659, lines 645 ff.
- 18.
White Paper on the GEOSS Data Sharing Principles, lines 606 ff.
- 19.
Ibid: supra note 659, lines 539–543. See also Section 4 of Implementation Guidelines for the GEOSS Data Sharing Principles, supra note 673, where they also refer to the concept of the public good with regard to GEOSS data pricing policy.
- 20.
White Paper on the GEOSS Data Sharing Principles, lines 545–550.
- 21.
GEOSS Data Sharing Action Plan, 16.
- 22.
Ibid: 11.
- 23.
The GEOSS Mid-Term Evaluation Report. June, 2010. It is suggested by some experts that GEO should organize and carry out the transition from “voluntary acceptance” into a priority “commitment to action”.
- 24.
GEO is aware of these concerns or hurdles and has attempted to address them or to outline the methodology for addressing them in the GEOSS Mid-Term Evaluation Report from 3 to 4 Nov. 2010.
- 25.
“GEOSS Strategic Targets.” 17–18 Nov. 2009. Group on Earth Observation 8 Feb. 2012 http://www.earthobservations.org/documents/geo_vi/12_GEOSS%20Strategic%20Targets%20Rev1.pdf.
- 26.
To achieve this, primarily and above all, “strong, high-level support from governments and leading organizations is vital for maintaining the momentum generated by GEO and ensuring that GEOSS becomes recognized as a vital infrastructure that serves the global public good. Building the capacity of users to exploit GEOSS is also essential.”
- 27.
“GEO 2012–2015 Work Plan.” 13 Dec. 2011. Group on Earth Observations. 8 Feb. 2012 http://www.earthobservations.org/documents/work%20plan/GEO%202012-2015%20Work%20Plan_Rev1.pdf.
- 28.
“The true value of GEOSS is its ability to support decision–making. As a key user group, senior policymakers can help to ensure that GEOSS addresses the UN’s Millennium Development Goals and other priority issues facing the global community.” This message needs to be clearly articulated and transmitted to all those that can potentially benefit from using GEOSS.
- 29.
As per findings within the GEOSS Mid-Term Evaluation Report, 14.
- 30.
The concern is important and cannot be put aside. For instance, 29% of key informants and 19% of survey respondents also recognized the Data Sharing Principles as one of the most important challenges to overcome in GEOSS implementation. The challenge was to create a discussion forum and develop guidelines agreeable to all parties, in light of the divergence between national laws and policies.
- 31.
GEO 2012–2015 Work Plan, 16.
- 32.
Mid-Term Evaluation of GEOSS Implementation, Recommendation 6, 10.
- 33.
For the author the latter is narrower than the former.
- 34.
Article 1 Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. 27 January 1967. 610 U.N.T.S. 205.
- 35.
Case studies of various GEOSS Societal Benefit Areas represent one of the best logical ways to highlight how use of GEOSS EO data and information services based on them will benefit its users worldwide once GEOSS becomes fully operational. Focus on the practical achievements that GEOSS contributes, enables assessment of the societal value or benefits of each of the GEOSS nine areas. Adopting this approach will help in advocating wider access to data integrated in GEOSS and the increased possibility of its use and further dissemination.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2013 Springer-Verlag Wien
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Doldirina, C. (2013). What Future for GEOSS? Results from the November 2010 GEO Ministerial Meeting. In: Hulsroj, P., Pagkratis, S., Baranes, B. (eds) Yearbook on Space Policy 2010/2011. Yearbook on Space Policy. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-1363-9_10
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-1363-9_10
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Vienna
Print ISBN: 978-3-7091-1362-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-7091-1363-9
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)