This workpackage is concerned with the assessment and mapping of non-satellite measurement capabilities and the assessment of geographical gaps. Recognising that there is a continuum of measurement capabilities of Essential Climate Variables(ECVs) across the multiple networks that constitute our global observational system, the workpackage shall:

  • Define assessment criteria for a system of systems consideration of observational capabilities (task 1.1).
  • Assess available metadata and assign above criteria to observational networks and their instrumentation (task 1.2).
  • Produce a graphical interface to enable users to investigate observational capabilities (task 1.3).
  • Undertake statistical (task 1.4) and model-based (task 1.5) assessments of geographical gaps and the implications upon our ability to characterise satellite-based measurements.

Figure: Posited system of systems approach to observing system maturity arising from Task 1.1.

G1.10 Relative paucity and geographical concentration of reference-quality measurements, with limited understanding of uncertainty in remaining measurements, limits ability to formally close satellite to non-satellite comparisons

Limited availability of traceable uncertainty estimates limits the direct applicability of the majority of existing data to high-quality applications, such as satellite-data characterisation, model validation, and reanalysis. While a vast amount of data are available, the uncertainty of these data is - in a metrological sense - often only insufficiently specified, estimated, or even unknown.

G1.06 Currently heterogeneous metadata standards hinder data discoverability and usability

The need for extensive and accurate metadata is ever increasing in both research and operations, enabling large-scale, distributed management of resources. Recent years have seen a growth in interaction between previously relatively isolated communities, driven by a need for cross-domain collaboration and exchange of data and products. However, metadata standards have generally not been able to meet the needs of interoperability between independent standardization communities.

G1.03 Lack of internationally recognised and adopted framework for assessment of fundamental observing capabilities

There currently exists no universally recognised approach for assessing quantifiable aspects of the measurement system maturity of existing observing networks. Although absolute measurement quality cannot be assured, fundamental properties of the measurement system that build confidence in its appropriateness and metrological verity can be assessed. The lack of an agreed international framework for such an assessment leads to heterogeneity in the approaches used to select the most suitable measurement series for any given application.

Making better sense of the mosaic of environmental measurement networks: a system-of-systems approach and quantitative assessment

This discussion paper, summarizing the maturity assessment approach, is under review here at the journal Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems (GI). Constructive critical reviews are highly welcome.

G1.04 Lack of a comprehensive review of current non-satellite observing capabilities for the study of ECVs across domains

While a comprehensive review of space-based missions and needs has been put together within official documents of the international community and coordinated by an agreed international framework in the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), in contrast, the mapping and coordination of current non-satellite observing capabilities is piecemeal and poorly documented.

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