Mapping Capacity Building Activities for the Use of Space-Borne Earth Observation Data: the CEOS WGCapD Inventory Project

Paper number

IAC-13,B1,6,1,x18117

Author

Mr. Jacob Sutherlun, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States

Coauthor

Ms. Tiffany Chow, Secure World Foundation, United States

Year

2013

Abstract

Space-borne Earth observation (EO) data can be used for a variety of socioeconomic benefits and development needs. Activities aimed at raising awareness about and building capacity for utilizing this space-derived EO data are being carried out across the globe by various organizations. However, these organizations do not always coordinate with each other on their capacity building activities. This leads to less than efficient use of precious and increasingly scarce resources. While there are a number of complex reasons (political, financial, etc.) why organizations may not coordinate with each other to carry out capacity building, one easily identifiable reason for lack of coordination is that many organizations are simply not aware of the activities being implemented in this field. Individual organizations may have published materials about their own projects, but there is no central repository that an interested party could search to ascertain exactly what global, regional, or even national capacity building activities are taking place.

Recognizing this need, the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) and its Working Group on Capacity Building and Data Democracy (WGCapD) commenced a project in early 2013 to fill this gap. The Capacity Building Inventory project aims to to compile all current capacity building efforts on the use of space-derived Earth observation (EO) data for societal benefits into an easily updateable and user-friendly format. The final product will be a fully interactive world map with all inventoried projects and activities sortable by region, country, Societal Benefit Area or Data Democracy area addressed. This map will likely be hosted on the WGCapD website and be updated on an annual basis. 

Once available, the project and its map will serve as a comprehensive resource of ongoing capacity building efforts, helping those actors involved better coordinate their existing activities and inform future planning, ultimately bolstering international cooperation in the area of space-borne EO. This IAC submission will present on the project concept, design, and current status.

Abstract document

IAC-13,B1,6,1,x18117.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-13,B1,6,1,x18117.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.