1. Future Near-term Plans
Definitions:
Analysis Ready Data (ARD)
ARD is a broad term, which has various meanings depending on user perspective and application:
An ARD product is a product generated from raw data and processed so that it can be used directly without the need for further processing to be applied by users.
CEOS Analysis Ready Data for Land (CARD4L)
CEOS developed a specific definition of ARD for Land:
CEOS Analysis Ready Data for Land (CARD4L) are satellite data that have been processed to a minimum set of requirements and organized into a form that allows immediate analysis with a minimum of additional user effort and interoperability both through time and with other datasets.
Accomplishments
CEOS has prepared an overall CARD4L definition along with 3 technical Product Family Specifications for:
Surface Reflectance
Surface Temperature
Radar Backscatter
Published a CARD4L web site
Several CEOS agencies began data provider CARD4Lself-assessment exercises (ESA, GA, USGS, JAXA, others)
WGCV defined a peer review process, which, once exercised, will be the final step for datasets to be stamped “CARD4L-compliant”
Distributed a survey to gather feedback from user communities
Participated in the “Satellite Data Interoperability Workshop” convened by the Radiant Earth Foundation and sponsored by Maxar, Planet, and several other commercial geospatial companies
Stephen Volz suggests some user examples here
Since we do not currently have any operational fully CARD4L-compliant data streams, this is difficult.
The Data Cubes are using “provisional” or “initial” CARD4L-like products. Should we mention those?
Future Near-term Plans
In 2019, begin operationally providing CARD4L-compliant Surface Reflectance and Surface Temperature products, including Sentinel-2 and Landsat datasets from ESA and USGS, respectively
Explore defining CEOS ARD for other application domains (e.g., oceans, precipitation, etc.)
Broaden the CARD4L radar specifications (5 under consideration)
Look for opportunities to pilot CARD4L-compliant interoperability case studies
Define commonly used ARD-related terms including ARD, CARD4L, Interoperability, and Harmonization
Develop an information package capturing the key value of CARD4L
Enhance its communications with the commercial sector using the information package and networks including UK Catapult, DIAS providers, and EARSC
Increase communication with remote sensing agencies, scientists, and commercial providers through the ESA Living Planet Symposium, IGARSS, the ESA Ground Segment Coordination Body (GSCB), and other forums such as the World Geospatial Forum
Act on the suggestions from the CARD4L survey
Promote datasets via the CEOS ARD website (i.e., the CARD4L stocktake) and also through the relevant WGISS systems (e.g., Connected Data Assets (CDA))
For More Information, Contact:
Andreia Siqueira (Geoscience Australia),
Alternate POCs (LSI-VC Co-Leads):
Adam Lewis (Geoscience Australia),
Susanne Mecklenburg (ESA),
Steve Labahn (USGS),

2. Definitions: Analysis Ready Data (ARD)
An ARD product is a product generated from raw data and processed so that it can be used directly without the need for further processing to be applied by users.
CEOS Analysis Ready Data for Land (CARD4L) are satellite data that have been processed to a minimum set of requirements and organized into a form that allows immediate analysis with a minimum of additional user effort and interoperability both through time and with other datasets.
Accomplishments: CEOS has
Conducted internal process and quality assessments, including:
An overall CARD4L definition along with 3 technical Product Family Specifications for Surface Reflectance, Surface Temperature, and Radar Backscatter
Several CEOS agencies began data provider CARD4L self-assessment exercises (ESA, GA, USGS, JAXA, others)
WGCV defined a peer review process, which, once exercised, will be the final step for datasets to be stamped “CARD4L-compliant”
Engaged with the community to define the path forward and improve our understanding and applicability, including:
Published a CARD4L web site, promoting and advancing Data Cube examples with users (list appropriate national or regional data cubes)
Distributed a survey to gather feedback from user communities
Participated in the “Satellite Data Interoperability Workshop” convened by commercial geospatial companies
Future Near-term Plans
Defining ARD terms, applicability, and scope
Continue and expand user engagement
For More Information, Contact:
Andreia Siqueira (Geoscience Australia),