SIT Technical Workshop SDCG4 comment from the CEOS

SIT Technical Workshop - SDCG-4: comment from the CEOS Lead to GFOI For information to SIT-Workshop and Plenary(? ) Stephen Briggs CEOS SIT Technical Workshop |Caltech, Pasadena, California, USA| 11 -12 September 2013 Slide: 1

SIT Technical Workshop Pasadena, California, USA Sept 11 -12, 2013 Summary of points from CEOS Lead perspective • GFOI Leads are: Australia, Norway, USA, FAO, CEOS • SDCG operating strongly and has a 3 -year vision to deliver products & services to GEO governments. SDCG is arguably the strongest element of GFOI and delivers on its mandate. • Points here are views from CEOS Lead as report to SIT Workshop/Plenary(? ), in addition to formal report from SDCG Executive team • Presentations from participating countries were a strong feature of the meeting and should be repeated as appropriate: • The reports showed varied level of experience and expertise • In many cases countries were already far beyond the scope of advice being provided to them via GFOI, using Landsat and other data • General need for more radar data and technical support • Need for more support in Early Warning (MODIS/Scan. SAR class) observations including continuity and future systems • Rapideye and similar data widely used and requested

SIT Technical Workshop Pasadena, California, USA Sept 11 -12, 2013 Summary of points from CEOS Lead perspective • Points here are views from CEOS Lead report to SIT Workshop/Plenary(? ) (continued) • USA (Silva. Carbon) has done an excellent job in capacity building, especially in South America • GFOI needs to reconsider its Methods Guidance Document in the light of the experience, and generally to improve the integration of GFOI elements • Norwegian “fast-track” initiative an important step in improved implementation, with care taken to integrate fully in GFOI plans • Concept of GFOI Data Services very important and needs further development, possibly linked to the Norwegian initiative

SIT Technical Workshop Pasadena, California, USA Sept 11 -12, 2013 Summary of points from CEOS Lead perspective • Points here are views from CEOS Lead report to SIT Workshop/Plenary(? ) (continued) • DEMs are a core requirement, at a resolution better than SRTM • Many upcoming SAR missions (S-1, ALOS-2, Radarsat Constellation, SAOCOM, …) very relevant to GFOI needs and further work needed on training and technical support • Norway clearly a key player in many aspects, backed by significant funding • Creation of GFOI office in 2013 has helped greatly in coherence, but more needs to be done to ensure end-end (UNFCCC- satellite data) integration