The CEOS Ocean Variables Enabling Research and Applications for GEO (COVERAGE) initiative seeks to provide improved access to multi-agency ocean remote sensing that are better integrated with in-situ and biological observations in support of oceanographic and decision support applications for societal benefit. COVERAGE is an international initiative and 3 year pilot project within the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites involving inter-agency participation. It aligns with programmatic objectives of CEOS and the missions of GEO-MBON (Marine Biodiversity Observation Network) and GEO-Blue Planet, which are to advance and exploit synergies amongst marine observational programs, inclusive of the four CEOS Ocean Virtual Constellations: Ocean Color, Sea Surface Temperature, Ocean Vector Winds, and Ocean Surface Topography. COVERAGE focuses on implementing technologies, including cloud-based solutions and a distributed data architecture, to provide a data rich, web-based platform for integrated ocean data delivery and access: multi-parameter observations, easily discoverable and usable, organized thematically, available in near real-time where possible. These are complemented by a set of value-added data services available via the COVERAGE portal including an advanced Web-based visualization interface, subsetting/extraction and other relevant on-demand processing capabilities. The primary objectives of this consultative session are threefold: 1) Provide an overview of the initiative and the status of the Phase B (prototype system) technical implementation work that is now under-way, including a description of our thematic demonstration application on the dynamics of high seas tuna fisheries in relation to the environment. 2) Undertake an interactive demonstration of prototype COVERAGE system capabilities as they currently stand. 3) Solicit community feedback on both the general approach and specific aspects of system functionality with the objective of refining requirements and implemented features. Through this participatory forum we also seek to connect to a broader group of end-users interested in COVERAGE and its future evolution consistent with community needs.
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Takeaways- Integrated approaches to multi-agency, satellite and in-situ data are under-developed. COVERAGE is an effort that is addressing this critical gap in the marine realm.
- Data interoperability issues and heterogeneous data access mechanisms/services are key issues and impediment currently, particularly when dealing with in-situ biological datasets. COVERAGE is working closely with such data providers and has delivered a standards-based specification for animal telemetry data that is being leveraged by that community.
- While cloud technologies hold some promise for improved access to analysis ready data and value added services, this is still an emerging field. There is thus value in experimenting with multiple technology solutions and approaches to better understand the appropriateness of the solution landscape for a given problem space. A greater range of spatial data types need to be considered and exercised when considering the appropriateness and viability of a given technology solution. Hybrid approaches should not be discounted.
- In the Earth Science and Applications arena, technology can be a useful enabler but should not be THE end in and of itself. COVERAGE is emphasizing approaches that will deliver practical solutions in support of real-world problems for societal benefit sooner rather than later. It will serve as an important use case and possible model for future developments. Development and improvement will be iterative.
