1. GEO AQ CoP Contact: R. Husar, rhusar@wustl.edu
Phase I. Determine Earth Observation Requirements for Air Quality SB Sub-Area (AQ CoP)
Phase II.
Encode and Enter the AQ Requirements into the GEO User Requirement Registry (SCG)
This is a report to the GEO User Requirement Registry project participants, specifically addressing the Earth Observation needs for air quality. The first phase of the project involved the identification of the user needs for a specific sub-area, Air Quality Management. This phase involved primarily the domain experts who are familiar with the air quality management process including the activities, participants and their respective Earth Observation needs. Identifying and describing the requirements for air quality observations and then finding and harmonizing those observations is a key activity of the AQ CoP. This phase was performed using the voluntary participatory approach of the AQ CoP, since this activity was considered by the URR project management as beyond the scope of the URR project.
The second phase was explicitly focused on contributing Air Quality-relevant content to the evolving GEO User Requirement Registry (URR). It consisted of (a) translating the information gathered from domain experts into the structure of the URR, (b) entering those requirements into the URR database using the web forms and other means of entry and (c) providing feedback on URR structure.
DRAFT
K. Hoijarvi, S. Falke, J. Husar, R. Poirot, M. Schulz., K. Torsett, E. Robinson, A, Surijavong, S. Vlasic, W. White
GEO AQ CoP Contact: R. Husar,

2. GEOSS: EOs for Societal Benefit
Info resources created by obs./modeling systems
Societal benefits/value is created at user side
Goal: Feedback to optimize value

3. Background
The procedures and the outcome of AQM are defined by laws and regulations in most countries including the workflow/activities, the key participants and their respective needs.
AQ Management (AQM) and Science relies on a range of Earth Observations (EO) from in-situ and remote sensing platforms.
Hence, AQM is a suitable application area of the Global Observing System of Systems (GEOSS) where the user needs are satisfied by services offered .
This is an initial attempt to formulate User Requirements for AQM. The AQ Community of Practice is encouraged to continue its active participation in this effort.
This provides a base case for the gap analysis.
Next one defines the desired state
The gap is the difference between the current and desired state.
The procedures and the outcome of AQM are defined by laws and regulations in most countries including the workflow/activities, the key participants and their respective needs.
AQ Management (AQM) and Science relies on a range of Earth Observations (EO) from in-situ and remote sensing platforms.
Hence, AQM is a suitable application area of the Global Observing System of Systems (GEOSS) where the user needs are satisfied by services offered .
This is an initial attempt to formulate User Requirements for AQM. The AQ Community of Practice is encouraged to continue its active participation in this effort.
This provides a base case for the gap analysis.
Next one defines the desired state
The gap is the difference between the current and desired state. 3

4. Phase I. Determine Earth Observation Requirements for Air Quality SBA
Methodology for Gathering User Requirements:
State the SB Sub-Area: e.g. Manage Air Quality
Define Major Workflow Steps of the SBA
Name the Value-Adding Activities
Identify Participants for Each Activity (i.e. the ‘Users’)
Determine the Participant’s EO Needs
Consultation within AQ CoP has resulted in the following systematic methodology for determining EO Requirements for air quality. The method seeks a comprehensive assessment of ALL the needs that are determined based on the consideration of ALL the key activities. In the method the EO requirements are determined by the needs of the participants (users) in the respective activities.
The methodology is consistent with observation of Dr. Gary Foley (EPA), that when gathering user requirements you don’t ask managers what they need, but what they DO. Based on what they do (and who they are) you determine their requirements. The methodology is analogous to the systematic, 9-step process applied in GEO Task US-0901a developed and applied by Lawrence Friedl, NASA.
Step 1: Selecting a societal benefit sub-area for which the user requirements are to be determined.
Step 2: Examine the workflow for the selected sub-SBA and delineate the main steps in the overall workflow.
Step 3: Identify the individual value-adding activities within each workflow step.
Step 4: Associate each workflow step with the participants who perform those activities.
Step 5: Determine the EO needs for each participant to perform the specified activities within the workflow.
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Step 6: Determine the EOs that are available and accessible to the participants.
Step 7: Compare the stated needs with the available/accessible EOs and communicate GAP.
Step 8: Communicate new EOs that may be relevant to SBAs
Step 9: Monitor the GAP (EOs available/accessible and Needs)
Forum to Develop AQ Requirements:
GEO AQ Community of Practice

5. 1. Select SBA: AQ Management 2. Define Workflow
The first stage of management is to establish air quality goals, i.e. setting the level of air quality to healthy level. In most cases the criteria is based on risk of human health, expressed as air quality standards. Setting air quality standards includes a broad range of participants, most notably air quality Data Analysts and air quality Health Effects Researchers.
The second stage is the determination of compliance with the standard and the necessary emission reductions. This involves monitoring the air quality at suitable locations and evaluating whether the air quality is violating the standard set in stage one. For regions of non-compliance specific emission reductions are set. This stage of air quality management involves primarily air quality analysts, modelers and Policy Analysts.
In the third stage emission reduction programs are developed to achieve acceptable air quality. This phase involves Policy Analysts and Policy Makers. The fourth stage focuses on the implementation and enforcing of control strategies. This stage is primarily in the domain of air quality Policy Makers.
The last stage of Air Quality Management loop has the goal of tracking and evaluating the effectiveness of the control strategy. This phase again involves many user types such as air quality and emission Analysts, Modelers, Domain Experts on health and environmental effects as well as Policy Analysts.
Bachmann, 2008

6. Spreadsheet of activities, participants, requirements
3. Define Value Adding Activities: Workflow Step 1: Setting AQ Standard
Popul. Density
Other Data
PM Comp.
Receptor Modeler
Health
Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Maker
Transport Meteor.
Air Qual. Analyst
Gas Comp.
Knowledge: Decisions
Information: Processed Data Data: Observations
Chem. Tr. Modeler
Activity Drivers
Emission Modeler
Emission Analyst
Spreadsheet of activities, participants, requirements

7. Phase I. Determining Earth Observation Requirements for Air Quality SBA
GEO Task US 0901a: Priority Earth Observations for Air Quality
Clearinghouse
AQ Community Catalog
User Requirement Registry

8. Phase II: Encode and Enter the AQ Requirements into the GEO User Requirement Registry (SCG)
The URR is a facility for collection, sharing and describing:
User types among the nine SBAs;
Applications that use Earth observations;
Requirements for Earth observations and derived products;
Links among user types, applications, and requirements.

9. Encoding into URR: Activities – User Types - Requirements
Workflow
Activities
User Types
Requirements
AQ Analyst
Develop AQ Standard
Det. Background AQ
Receptor Mod.
Transport Mod.
AQ Analyst
Assess Health Risk
Characterize Current AQ
Health Analyst
AQ Analyst
Assess Aquatic Risk
Aquatic Analyst
Determine Compliance
So, AQM workflow can be divided into four steps, starting with setting an AQ standard.
AQ Analyst
Assess Terrestr. Risk
Terrestr. Analyst
AQ Analyst
Assess Visibility Risk
Visibility Analyst
Eval. Control Effectiveness
Set AQ Standard
Policy Analyst

10. Workflow Step 2: Evaluate Current Air Quality
Activities
User Types
Requirements
Develop AQ Standard
AQ Analyst
Det. Ambient AQ
Attribute Sources
Receptor Mod.
Evaluate Current AQ
Transport Mod.
Emiss. Analyst
Det. Emissions
Emiss. Modeler
Determ. Exceedance
Policy Analyst
Determine Compliance
Eval. Control Effectiveness

11. Workflow Step 3: Develop and Enforce Compliance
Activities
User Types
Requirements
Develop AQ Standard
AQ Analyst
Attribute Sources
Receptor Mod.
Transport Mod.
Characterize Current AQ
Emiss. Analyst
Det. Emissions
Emiss. Modeler
Develop Compliance
Emiss. Reduct. Plan
Policy Analyst
Eval. Control Effectiveness

12. Workflow Step 4: Evaluate Control Effectiveness
Activities
User Types
Requirements
Develop AQ Standard
Emiss. Analyst
Det. Emissions
Emiss. Modeler
AQ Analyst
Det. Ambient AQ
Attribute Sources
Receptor Mod.
Characterize Current AQ
Transport Mod.
AQ Analyst
Assess Health Risk
Health Analyst
AQ Analyst
Assess Aquatic Risk
Determine Compliance
Aquatic Analyst
AQ Analyst
Assess Terrestr. Risk
Terrestr. Analyst
AQ Analyst
Assess Visibility Risk
Visibility Analyst
Eval. Control Effectiveness
Eval. Control Effect
Policy Analyst

13. Activity – Participant - Requirements Browser for AQ Management

14. Provider - Instrument - Observation
Browser for AQ Data in GEOSS Clearinghouse

15. It is possible to Approach: Make AQ Contribution Consistent with:
GEO Task US 0901a: Priority Earth Observations for Air Quality
Clearinghouse
AQ Community Catalog
User Requirement Registry

16. General Requirements by User Type
EO Requirements:
Where, What Type; Pollutant
User Types
AQ Analyst
Surface | MassConc. | PM25, PM10, O3, SO2, NO2, VOC;
Receptor Modeler
Surface | MassConc. |PM25, PM10, PMComp, WindField
Transport Modeler
4Dim | Emiss. /4DWea | PM25, PM10, SO2, NO2, VOC
Emission Analyst
Surface/Col| Emission Obs/ | PM25, PM10, SO2, NO2, VOC;
Emission Modeler
Surface | Activity Drivers | PM25, PM10, SO2, NO2, VOC;
Health Analyst
Surface | Expos., HealthMeas | PM25, PM10, O3, SO2, NO2
Aquatic Analyst
Surface | Depos., AquaMeas | PM25, PM10, O3, SO2, NO2, VOC;
Terrestrial Analyst
Surface | Depos., TerrMeas. | PM25, PM10, O3, SO2, NO2
Visibility Analyst
Surface | Light Ext., Vistas | PM25, PM10, PMComp
Policy Analyst
Surface | Analysts Outout |PM25, PM10, O3, SO2, NO2
Any AQM activity may require multiple user types
Any user type can contribute to multiple AQM activities
The specific user requirements depend on the activity

17. Browser of AQM Activities, Participants, and EO Needs

18. Value Chain for Informing the Public
Observation-Data Processed Data Actionable Knowledge
Gas Comp.
Air Qual. Analyst
Transport Meteor.
Public Media
Public Dec. Maker
ForecastModeler
Activity Drivers
Emission Modeler
Emission Analyst

19. AQ Management: Science View
From “Critical Earth Observation Priorities” GEO Task US-09-01a; Air Quality and Health 
Final Report to the GEO User Interface Committee, Feb 2010.
The term “Earth observation” refers to parameters and variables (e.g., physical, geophysical, chemical, biological) sensed or measured, derived parameters and products, and related parameters from model outputs. In the context of AQH, Earth observation refers to measurements or models that help characterizing the air quality and health systems, specifically emissions, source-receptor relationship, and ambient concentrations.
The AQ process can be described using a well-accepted, causality-based framework, shown in the simplified, systems diagram of AQ management (Figure 1). Air pollution is caused primarily by Human Activities (HA), and through a feedback-control loop, it is also mitigated by societal actions that reduce the levels of air pollution (Bachmann, 2007; Chow et al., 2007). Figure 1 defines the system components and the scope of EOs needed for the AQH sub-area.
In the industrial world, the overwhelming majority of air pollution Emissions originate from the combustion of energy-producing fossil fuels, coal, oil, and natural gas. The magnitude of the emissions is determined by the Emission Factors (EF) associated with human activities. The emission rates, along with the SRR, atmospheric dispersion, chemical transformation, and removal processes, determines the Ambient Pollutant (AP) concentrations. The overall global-scale Health Damage (HD) is the consequence of the ambient pollutant burden end exposure. Its magnitude is determined by the Damage Function (DF) and population density. This generalized framework is applicable to all human-induced AQ problems, regardless of the sources of the human-induced emissions and the nature of the resulting AQ damage (NARSTO, 2004; Bachmann, 2007). Figure 1 indicates that major elements of the AQ system are quantifiable through EOs (i.e., measurements and suitably evaluated air quality models). In particular, the characterization of the ambient pollutant concentration and evaluating the SRR depends largely on EOs and the underlying atmospheric science (dark shading). The key “essential AQ variables”— ozone and PM2.5—are secondary pollutants (i.e., most of the ambient O3 and PM2.5 is formed within the atmosphere through chemical reactions of their precursors). A key role of the SRR is to incorporate these chemical transformations. The SRR is generally derived from AQ models that simulate the atmospheric processes. The models themselves are developed, calibrated, and verified using EOs. Advanced AQ models are now assimilating EOs to improve their forecast performance (IGACO, 2004; USWRP, 2006). EOs can improve emission estimates and forecasting. EO-based "top-down" emission measurements are gaining increasing applicability (Dabberdt and McHenry, 2004; NARSTO, 2005).
The above systems approach yielded progress on improving air quality in many parts of the world, particularly over North America and Western Europe (NAWE). The emission reductions were motivated by scientific evidence of adverse impacts, and the progress was  achieved through the implementation of science-based policies and through advances in technology (Brook et al., 2009).
The estimation of health impacts based on research conducted in NAWE is only partially applicable to developing countries. While many similarities exist regarding the constituents of air pollution around the globe, the nature of air pollution in developing regions is significantly different from those in NAWE. The human activities, emissions, and ambient concentrations are all specific to particular regions.  Major cities in Asia and Africa have many diffuse, difficult-to-control sources (e.g., open burning, low-quality indoor fuels, uncontrolled small businesses and industries) (HEI, 2004; Molina and Molina, 2004). The transportation-related emissions and ambient concentrations near roadways are also region-specific. In many areas of the world, a significant fraction of the ambient pollutants originates from agricultural or domestic biomass burning, forest or savannah fires, or dust storms.  Additional Earth observation needs are given in companion GEO US0901-a Health reports on Aeroallergen Infectious Diseases.
Unfortunately, the variability of AQ in the developing world is very poorly characterized. The uncertainties span all of the components of the observable AQ system: emissions, SRR, ambient concentrations, and exposure damage. Consequently, health impact estimation for the developing regions is highly uncertain (HEI, 2004; Vliet and Kinney, 2007; Cohen et. al., 2004).
Processes and Earth Observations for AQ: Emissions, Transport and ambient Concentrations/Depositions User Types: Emission Analysts, Emission Modeler, AQ Data Analyst, AQ Transport Modeler, AQ Receptor Modeler, Health Analyst, Aquatic Analyst, Terrestrial Analyst, Visibility Analyst

20. AQ Management: Science View Emissions, Transport and ambient Concentrations/Depositions causing Effects on Health and Welfare
From “Critical Earth Observation Priorities” GEO Task US-09-01a; Air Quality and Health 
Final Report to the GEO User Interface Committee, Feb 2010.
The term “Earth observation” refers to parameters and variables (e.g., physical, geophysical, chemical, biological) sensed or measured, derived parameters and products, and related parameters from model outputs. In the context of AQH, Earth observation refers to measurements or models that help characterizing the air quality and health systems, specifically emissions, source-receptor relationship, and ambient concentrations.
The AQ process can be described using a well-accepted, causality-based framework, shown in the simplified, systems diagram of AQ management (Figure 1). Air pollution is caused primarily by Human Activities (HA), and through a feedback-control loop, it is also mitigated by societal actions that reduce the levels of air pollution (Bachmann, 2007; Chow et al., 2007). Figure 1 defines the system components and the scope of EOs needed for the AQH sub-area.
In the industrial world, the overwhelming majority of air pollution Emissions originate from the combustion of energy-producing fossil fuels, coal, oil, and natural gas. The magnitude of the emissions is determined by the Emission Factors (EF) associated with human activities. The emission rates, along with the SRR, atmospheric dispersion, chemical transformation, and removal processes, determines the Ambient Pollutant (AP) concentrations. The overall global-scale Health Damage (HD) is the consequence of the ambient pollutant burden end exposure. Its magnitude is determined by the Damage Function (DF) and population density. This generalized framework is applicable to all human-induced AQ problems, regardless of the sources of the human-induced emissions and the nature of the resulting AQ damage (NARSTO, 2004; Bachmann, 2007). Figure 1 indicates that major elements of the AQ system are quantifiable through EOs (i.e., measurements and suitably evaluated air quality models). In particular, the characterization of the ambient pollutant concentration and evaluating the SRR depends largely on EOs and the underlying atmospheric science (dark shading). The key “essential AQ variables”— ozone and PM2.5—are secondary pollutants (i.e., most of the ambient O3 and PM2.5 is formed within the atmosphere through chemical reactions of their precursors). A key role of the SRR is to incorporate these chemical transformations. The SRR is generally derived from AQ models that simulate the atmospheric processes. The models themselves are developed, calibrated, and verified using EOs. Advanced AQ models are now assimilating EOs to improve their forecast performance (IGACO, 2004; USWRP, 2006). EOs can improve emission estimates and forecasting. EO-based "top-down" emission measurements are gaining increasing applicability (Dabberdt and McHenry, 2004; NARSTO, 2005).
The above systems approach yielded progress on improving air quality in many parts of the world, particularly over North America and Western Europe (NAWE). The emission reductions were motivated by scientific evidence of adverse impacts, and the progress was  achieved through the implementation of science-based policies and through advances in technology (Brook et al., 2009).
The estimation of health impacts based on research conducted in NAWE is only partially applicable to developing countries. While many similarities exist regarding the constituents of air pollution around the globe, the nature of air pollution in developing regions is significantly different from those in NAWE. The human activities, emissions, and ambient concentrations are all specific to particular regions.  Major cities in Asia and Africa have many diffuse, difficult-to-control sources (e.g., open burning, low-quality indoor fuels, uncontrolled small businesses and industries) (HEI, 2004; Molina and Molina, 2004). The transportation-related emissions and ambient concentrations near roadways are also region-specific. In many areas of the world, a significant fraction of the ambient pollutants originates from agricultural or domestic biomass burning, forest or savannah fires, or dust storms.  Additional Earth observation needs are given in companion GEO US0901-a Health reports on Aeroallergen Infectious Diseases.
Unfortunately, the variability of AQ in the developing world is very poorly characterized. The uncertainties span all of the components of the observable AQ system: emissions, SRR, ambient concentrations, and exposure damage. Consequently, health impact estimation for the developing regions is highly uncertain (HEI, 2004; Vliet and Kinney, 2007; Cohen et. al., 2004).
Emission Analysts Emission Modeler
Transport Modeler Receptor Modeler
AQ Data Analyst
Health Analyst
Aquatic Analyst
Terrestrial Analyst
Visibility Analyst

21. GEOSS Information Flow Framework
AQ Management: Information Flow View
GEOSS Information Flow Framework
GEOSS Core
AQ Analyst Modeler
AQ Domain Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Maker
A typical air quality decision support system consists of several active participants:
The models and the observations are interpreted by experienced Technical Analysts who summarize their findings in 'just in time’ reports.
Often these reports are also evaluated and augmented by Regulatory Analysts who then inform the decision-making managers.
With actionable knowledge in hand, decision makers act in response to the pollution situation.
While the arrows indicate unidirectional flow of information, each interaction generally involves considerable iteration. For example, analysts explore and choose from numerous candidate datasets. Also most reports are finalized after considerable feedback.
Note that the key users of formal information systems are the technical analysts. Hence, the system needs to be tailored primarily to the analysts needs.
The AQ Information system processes Earth and other observations into actionable knowledge for policy/decision makers.
User Types: AQ data analysts and modelers; health, aquatic and other domain analysts, policy analysts and policy/decision makers

22. UIC Objectives
Enable GEO to address in a systematic, targeted, focused and comprehensive way the needs and concerns of a broad range of user communities in developing and developed countries, across issues and trans-disciplinary needs, with a particular focus on fostering new or less organized communities.
Enable GEO, in the implementation of GEOSS, to engage a continuum of users, from producers to the final beneficiaries of the data and information
Facilitate linkages and partnerships between established CPs and new user groups or organizations interested in collaborating.

23. How to Approach Users in the Lower Half of the Spectrum
THE SPECTRUM OF USERS
From observations
Requirements well known
Earth observations & earth system models
Data-to-Information archiving & services
Decision support tool development
Decision making
Assessment of benefits
Earth system scientists and modelers
Earth system service providers
Environmental process modelers & researchers
Policy Makers & Environmental managers
Public officials, advocacy groups and the Public
To societal benefits
Not aware that obs. are even needed
How to Approach Users in the Lower Half of the Spectrum
What do they do in their occupation and what does their organization do? Is there a web-site?
How would they describe their more important activities? What are those of their organization?
What decision-making are they involved in by providing research or decision support tool development?
What impact/benefits result from this decision-making, incl. timeframe, how is benefit/value measured?
Does your org. operate a system or systems that collect observations, describe; are they part of a larger system?
What observational, geographical, socio-economic data and/or models/forecasts, are used in the decision-making?
What additional information could improve the decision-making or the indirectly support decision-making?
What regional or international working groups are you a member of or on the mailing list of?

24. User Types Air Quality & Health
The Air Quality Managers
Air Quality Index operations
Air Quality monitoring and regulatory officials
Regulated industrial groups
Traffic planning & highway management groups
Forest & agricultural fire management officials
AQ researchers
AQ management decision support tool developers
The Public Health Officials
Public Health outcome officials
Hospital & Emergency Room management groups
Epidemiologists
Medical Practitioners treating sensitive sub-populations
Asthma, cardiovascular disease researchers

25. Applications if Air Quality & Health
Global NO2 monitoring (OMI sat.; ROSE model)
Air Quality Indices
PREV'AIR air quality forecasts
PROMOTE applications
Alerts for AQ episodes (EnviroFlash, APNEE)
Fusion of AOD and PM2.5 for AQH researchers
The Public Health Air Surv. Eval. (PHASE) Project
A Health-based AQ index
Long-range smoke alerts

26. Communities of Practice
A user-led community of stakeholders, from providers to the final beneficiaries of Earth observation data and information, with a common interest in specific aspects of societal benefits to be realized by GEOSS implementation.
The Communities of Practice will be self organized and will include stakeholders required to achieve benefits.

27. An Example Community of Practice Air Quality & Health
The Public

28. The GEOSS Architecture Organize this side of the
Users and Scientific Communities Served By
GEOSS Common Approaches Systems within their Mandates
UIC Goal
Organize this side of the
GEOSS Architecture

29. The GEOSS Architecture
Users and Scientific Communities Served By
GEOSS Common Approaches Systems within their Mandates
User
Requirements
Success begins and ends on
this side of the architecture

30. Resources