G1.05

G1.05 Lack of unified tools showing all the existing observing capabilities for measuring ECVs with respect to satellite spatial coverage

Gap detailed description

A unified tool able to visualize all the sub-orbital observing capabilities for measuring ECVs at the global scale with respect to spatial and temporal coverage of space-based  sensors  has never been  provided in the past by international bodies and agencies.  Several tools have been implemented for specific networks of the global observing system, but all of them are designed on the basis of very specific needs, using different criteria / tools, and typically   including just one ECV and only one or a small subset of the networks at the global  scale.

One of the most apposite examples is represented by the OSCAR (Observing Systems Capability Analysis and Review Tool) system of the WMO (http://www.wmo sat.info/oscar/) and in particular for the surface based capabilities[1]  still under development.  At its present state this tool is, focused on the WMO mission and does not include all the ECVs and all the  existing networks. Moreover, satellite observing capabilities are collected separately and a unified tool able to show simultaneously all the existing non-satellite capabilities, along with  the field of view of the satellite-based instruments can strongly help end-users in the design of new validation strategies and in the full exploitation of both ground-based and satellite  data. This shall in turn help inform users on the available ECVs measurements within different domains (atmosphere, land, ocean) through a facilitated analysis of the  geographical distribution of the system of networks at the global scale.

Activities within GAIA-CLIM related to this gap

GAIA-CLIM task 1.3 will provide a demonstrator mapping facility, which shall allow users to explore the data in the context of available non-satellite and satellite capabilities taken together. This is the proposed GAIA-CLIM solution to implement in the EO programme to (at least partially) remedy this gap.

GAIA-CLIM task 1.3, deliverable D1.8 – Provision of a 3D tool for the online visualization of existing measurements (CNR; M24)

Gap remedy(s)

Remedy

Specific remedy proposed

GAIA-CLIM will provide a mapping capability to address this gap through Task 1.3. The software will be able to evaluate each network (taking advantage of the metadata collected through GAIA-CLIM Task 1.2) using the maturity matrix approach elaborated within Task  1.1. This software (to be delivered by February 2017) might be established as a permanent operational service. 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.

Measurable outcome of success

The adoption of the proposed open source platform for metadata visualization by C3S or other agencies established as a long term service is a measure of the success of this activity after the end of GAIA-CLIM.

Achievable outcomes

Technological / organizational viability: High

Indicative cost estimate: low (<1 million)

Relevance

The synergic approach based on metadata collection and its visualization  provides the basis to identify geographical gaps and, therefore, the starting point for any other scientific assessment within the GAIA-CLIM project (e.g. G1.09, 1.15, etc).

Timebound

The proposed platform may remedy the described gap in an efficient and offer a long term approach if sustained by funding programs. The initial mapping facility shall be available prior to the end of GAIA-CLIM and integrated within the Virtual Observatory facility.

Gap risks to non-resolution