Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) and GEO-Portal

The Group on Earth Observations is coordinating efforts to build a Global Earth Observation System of Systems, or GEOSS. The Global Earth Observation System of Systems will provide decision-support tools to a wide variety of users. As with the Internet, GEOSS will be a global and flexible network of content providers allowing decision makers to access an extraordinary range of information at their desk.

The Global Earth Observation System of Systems is simultaneously addressing nine areas of critical importance to people and society: disasters, health, energy, climate, water, weather, ecosystems, agriculture and biodiversity.

This ‘system of systems’ will proactively link together existing and planned observing systems around the world and support the development of new systems where gaps currently exist.

It will promote common technical standards so that data from the thousands of different instruments can be combined into coherent data sets.

The GEOPortal’ offers a single Internet access point for users seeking data, imagery and analytical software packages relevant to all parts of the globe. It connects users to existing data bases and portals and provides reliable, up-to-date and user friendly information – vital for the work of decision makers, planners and emergency managers.

For users with limited or no access to the Internet, similar information is available via the ‘GEONETCast’ network of telecommunication satellites.