1. GEO ADC Co-Chair meeting USGS, Reston, Dec 19-20 2006 Slide # 1 Virtual Constellations (DA-07-03) I.Petiteville, CEOS GEO ADC Co-Chairs Meeting, USGS, Reston, VA, December 19-20, 2006

2. GEO ADC Co-Chair meeting USGS, Reston, Dec 19-20 2006 Slide # 2 Task Description (1/2) Development of Virtual Constellations within CEOS framework in consultation with User Communities Objectives: –Improve the temporal, spatial and spectral resolution as well as data management and dissemination –Satisfy the requirements and objectives of the GEO SBAs

3. GEO ADC Co-Chair meeting USGS, Reston, Dec 19-20 2006 Slide # 3 Task Description (2/2) Currently, one of the 3 major CEOS activities. Concept endorsed by CEOS Plenary (Nov. 2005). Several meetings of CEOS experts in 2006. DA-07-03 Task proposed by CEOS for the GEO 2007-2009 WP. –CEOS volunteer to be both Lead and Point of Contact

4. GEO ADC Co-Chair meeting USGS, Reston, Dec 19-20 2006 Slide # 4 Current 4 Virtual Constellations Precipitation Constellation: –strengthen international cooperation of space-based observations of precipitation, including realisation of the GPM mission (AR-06-10) Land-Surface Imaging Constellation: –ensure the relevant synergy with High Resolution Multispectral Imager Continuity (AR-06-09); Ocean Surface Topography Constellation: –ensure continuity of Sea Level measurement in accordance with GCOS requirements (CL-06-02); Atmospheric Composition Constellation: –address many of the climate community’s needs for atmospheric observations (CL-06-02);

5. GEO ADC Co-Chair meeting USGS, Reston, Dec 19-20 2006 Slide # 5 Task particularities (1/2) Task characterized by: 1.Initial interaction with the User Community for the establishment of the user needs and definition of product requirements 2.Establishment of standards: data interoperability (sensor inter-calibration, data formats, interoperable catalogs metadata,..), 3.Implementation of a interoperable system: mission planning, missions definitions and operations, data archiving, access, data dissemination,… … Implementation of 2 & 3 over several years

6. GEO ADC Co-Chair meeting USGS, Reston, Dec 19-20 2006 Slide # 6 Task particularities (2/2) Task of interest to the 4 GEO Committees but most of the work to be performed is of “architecture & data” type like for the former related-Tasks ( see slide 4 ) Involvement and regular information of/to users is essential

7. GEO ADC Co-Chair meeting USGS, Reston, Dec 19-20 2006 Slide # 7 Issue (1/2) The Task is classified as “UIC” by GEO SEC CEOS disagrees and asks for a “ADC” classification because of: –The nature of the work to be done by CEOS Agencies –The lack of efficient mechanism in place for the collection of user requirements & transfer to the implementers (CEOS Agencies and other Task Teams participants)

8. GEO ADC Co-Chair meeting USGS, Reston, Dec 19-20 2006 Slide # 8 Issue (2/2) Recognizing the importance of the User Community, CEOS will take the appropriate measures to guaranty the involvement of users (expression of requirements, regular information on progress,..) through the UIC or through other bodies interfacing with users incl. the GEO SEC if needed.