Remedy 1: Provision of mapping tools to match satellite and non-satellite observations

The GAIA-CLIM 3D-mapping software is able to visualize a comprehensive list of in-situ metadata along with the main related satellite instruments. The software has the capability to continuously update the metadata also in an automatic fashion depending on the availability of updated metadata from in-situ networks.

Future potential work might include an extension of the current software capabilities to visualize also the observational data for a few instruments (e.g. the radiosonde flying from the launch station) and the capability to perform queries for a few existing data archives to check the data availability on-line. This work might be offered to the community also to encourage a joint effort amongst global stakeholders like GCOS, GEOSS, GAW to foster the design of further relevant tools.

In a broader context, the implementation of a unified tool that provides users with access to all metadata and data should be cognizant of a global community already sensitized to open-source software that can be easily accessed. Therefore, efforts should be made to implement an efficient, useful, platform-independent and open-source based service.

The work should consider:

• Use of open-source codes: examples include the Python ARM Radar Toolkit (Py-ART; https://github.com/ARM-DOE/pyart) and the GAIA-CLIM Virtual Observatory.

• Provide a detailed documentation of the codes, installation instructions, frequently asked questions, and other help facilities for users;

• Support enabling the users to program macros and small applications for a range of hardware platforms and compilers;

• Allocate resources to strengthen cooperation programmes between research institutes and global stakeholders to efficiently implement joint initiatives, which could offer a number of opportunities to the users and facilitate the implementation of downstream services.

For the last two items listed above, the forthcoming Copernicus Climate Change Service Data Store toolbox shall offer a first example of the direction to follow over the coming decade.