5th adc meeting

Part of the GEOSS Common Infrastructure currently in the Initial Operational Capability phase.

Based on Open Source components, it can be freely installed and configured at GEO members’ premises.

It can be configured to create a Portal for a specific SBA.

A gateway to Global Earth Observation data, information and services that are of interest to the GEOSS user community.

It complements Community Portals and other Portals operated by GEO Members and Participating Organizations and that do not belong to any single member or organization.

The GEO Portal contains today more components/services and information than the one available in the registries (additional info is routinely added for new registered and non registered components/services, content management).

The ESA-FAO GEO Portal Services are based on the GEO recommended standards and following the Geospatial Portal Reference Architecture of the OGC. The GEO Portal provides a variety of services: Geospatial Portal Service; Portrayal Viewer Service; Interfaces to Catalogue Services; Browse through a comprehensive directory of service providers and; Retrieval of Earth observation education, training and capacity building resources.

The ESA-FAO GEO Portal Current Status:

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  Operations and content management secured with same service level as other ESA web portals:
  
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  Any resource newly available to GEOSS will be accessible through the GEOPortal (coupled to the GEOSS Clearinghouses and GEOSS Registries).
  
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  Already widely used: thousands of visits per month from many countries around the world.
  

Next steps, ESA Participation to AIP Phase 2:

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  GEO Portal in cooperation with FAO.
  
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  FedEO EO Community Clearinghouse in cooperation with Eumetsat, International Charter “Space and Major Disasters”, CNES.
  
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  SSE – Workflow, Conformance Testing and Test Environment.
  

Conclusions:

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  As part of the GCI IOC, the ESA/FAO GEO Portal already constitutes a main access point to worldwide information on Earth Observation capabilities and services.
  
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  ESA proposal for AIP Ph2 consists of an environment where: new GEOSS services can be built and GEOSS components can be tested with respect to a set of consolidated HMA and OGC standard based interfaces; access is provided to catalogue services with the standard interfaces and; access to GEOSS resources and data is provided to the GEOSS User community.
  
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  ESA has secured the operations and content management of the GEO Portal including improvements and upgrades.
  
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  Feedback and needs from GEOSS User community, IOC Task Force and GEO Secretariat will be the main driver for the evolution of the GEO Portal.
  

Comments and Discussion:

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  M. Albani: There are 2 search mechanisms: at the top of the page is a local search, and “GEOSS Clearinghouse” is a distributed search.
  
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  Comment: there should only be one search that does both a local and distributed search and combines the results.
  
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  Comment: “GEOSS Clearinghouse” would not be understood by users, and the mouseover comment also isn’t clear.
  
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  Question: Would it make sense to have an option tracking (to have users volunteer to include their usage)?
  
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  Question: Is it portlet compatible? M. Albani: Yes it is.
  
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  Question: Do you have the capability to track usage? M. Albani: At the moment we do not.
  
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  Comment: there is an easy to use capability in Google to track all of that information for you.
  

GEO Secretariat will request that each portal keep user statistics.

ESRI GEO Portal

Jeanne Foust

http://keel.esri.com/Portal/
J. Foust:

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  Built the portal to the GEO specifications and requirements.
  
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  Installation will move to the ArcGIS On-line hosting services.
  
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  ESRI will put free data services into the portal (adding data from ArcGIS Online).
  
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  The Portal should not have launched these portals publicly with no data.
  
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  Want guidance on activity. Unclear the guidance of the outreach to the community.
  
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  Unclear the transition into an initial operating capability.
  

Question: what if someone wanted to set up a community portal? J. Faust: We have the clients that can be used. Also we have agreed to offer the portal software for free (this would include ArcGIS) – for GEO only.

A. Anoni: we need to decide on a schedule for when we begin promotion, perhaps with press releases.
Action Item: ESRI to provide use data on their portal.

17. T3 (Target Task Team) Report and Recommendations

Greg Withee
Background: in GEO since 2005 we have had an official text and a reference document. Between them you find a vision for GEO and GEOSS. Then there were some targets – about 250. Work Plan – there’s many tasks in the 2007-2009 work plan (over 100). When this came up for revision logic did not prevail. The Executive Committee decided that the work plan needed to be revised, started about a year ago, is under version 2 now (2009-2011). Finally, the Executive Committee approved a task team to look at the targets.
Many of the 10 and 6 year targets are actually extensions of the 2 year targets. The targets range from the very broad to the very specific. The 47 Health targets were compacted down to 5.
T3 is still defining the targets quasi independent of the work plan. What T3 needs to do, after the new targets are defined, is to have a cross walk between the work plan and the targets. This cannot be done before the Pleanry. T3 should recommend that there be another meeting after the Plenary to do the cross walks and check the targets.
J. Pearlman commented;

1. 
   As a lot of the benefit of GEOSS is cross referencing and coordination between the SBAs; they should work together not alone. G. Withee: these should naturally evolve and don’t need to be part of the targets
   
2. 
   Technologists should be involved in the targets. G. Withee: I agree, we need to invest in as many experts as we can get in the area.
   
3. 
   How are we going to prioritize the 20-30 targets? G. Withee: You need to leave the word priority out (and do it by another name).
   
4. 
   How are you going to address the need for commitments? G. Withee: Voluntary organizations are problematic. It offers countries the chance to get into an organization that they might not get permission from their governments ordinarily. That’s an important part of GEO. You can join without signing up explicitly. However when it comes to making GEO work, e.g. data sharing, if there was a rule requiring data sharing, most countries would have to examine such a mandate in light of their national policies and capabilities. Either they couldn’t provide the technology or there would be a policy issue. The GEO answer is that 73 countries have endorsed data sharing principles so there is a high probability that it will get done.
   

18. Recommendations for IOC to Task Force

Ivan DeLoatch
The IOC Task Force was established by the Executive Committee. It first met in July 2008 when it approved the Task Force members, a Terms of Reference and a Work Plan.
I. DeLoatch explained that the IOCTF will define and recommend a Concept of Operations plan for the GCI components, evaluate the existing GCI components and provide administrative recommendations regarding models of GCI operational solutions. A minimum set of requirements will be developed in the next 2-3 weeks and a report will be made by the end of March, 2009.
I. DeLoatch: I want to get some feedback and comments on the IOCTF. First let’s focus on the green bubble in the presentation material [the “green bubble” is the GCI area on the GCI operational interaction diagram that includes the GEO Web Portals, GEOSS Clearinghouses and the Registries.]. What are some of the things that should be called out as part of this process?
Opened to the floor for comments or questions:

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  It is necessary to identify the shortcomings of our current system.
  
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  The interoperability between the registries has some shortcomings and we need to address that.
  
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  We’ve heard from the portal providers of some things that could be improved about the registries.
  
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  We need to be clear about the current state of affairs, and what we need to do going forward.
  
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  Tomorrow we have 2 hours scheduled [in the ADC co-chairs meeting] for discussion on this.
  
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  Development is continuing. How do you separate evaluation of the initial operating capability from the enhancements? The ability of providers to respond to problems and requests might be part of the evaluation.
  
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  How can we engage the UIC?
  

Question: Normally when you do an evaluation you have a list to evaluate against. Will there be a list of benchmarks? I. DeLoatch: The evaluation will be for the entire system, not just the portals. But, you will get a list so we all have the same frame of reference. So we will generate the list over the next 2 weeks, and make the recommendations in 2009.

Question: When will you do the evaluation (after the list is released)? Will we have time to address shortcomings before the evaluation? I. DeLoatch: Yes.

19. New Initiatives and Sponsored Programs [Data Integration and Analysis Project, EuroGEOSS, AEGOS, Ontologies, GIGAS]
A special few minutes – looking at future programs that may be part of GEOSS.
I. Data Integration and Analysis System (DIAS) [UT, JAXA, JAMSTEC – Japan]

Satoko Miura
The Data Integration and Analysis System (DIAS) was launched in 2006 as part of the Earth Observation and Ocean Exploration System, which is one of five National Key Technologies defined by the 3rd Basic Program for Science and Technology of Japan.
The mission of DIAS is:

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  to coordinate the cutting-edge information science and technology and the various research fields addressing the earth environment;
  
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  to construct data infrastructure that can integrate earth observation data, numerical model outputs, and socio-economic data effectively;
  
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  to create knowledge enabling us to solve the earth environment problems; and
  
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  to generate socio-economic benefits.
  

DIAS, tackling a large increase in diversity of Earth observation data:

For improving data interoperability, DIAS is developing a system for identifying the relationship between data by using ontology on technical terms and ideas, and geography. DIAS also is acquiring data base information from various sources by developing a cross-sectoral search engine for various data bases.
DIAS, tackling a large increase in volume of the earth observation data:

It is expected that there will be a large increase in the volume and diversity of earth observations from inhomogeneous data sources during the next decade. DIAS is developing a core system for data integration and analysis that includes the supporting functions of life cycle data management, data search, information exploration, scientific analysis, and partial data down-loading.

GEOSS Asian Water Cycle Initiative (AWCI) includes 17 River Basins for an Initial Demonstration. Project provides a framework for developing useful methods for societal benefit, such as improved flood prediction.

II. New initiatives and projects sponsored by the EC

Vojko Bratina EC
GEO activities now have visibility as FP7 Research opportunities on the Environment. FP7 is the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. It is the European Union’s main instrument for funding research in Europe between 2007 and 2013 and represents a 41% budget increase from FP6 at 2004 prices.
FP7 Call 2007, Sub-Activity 6.4.1, Earth and Ocean Observation Systems and monitoring methods for the environment and sustainable development

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  ENV.2007.4.1.1.1 Monitoring of the carbon cycle at global level
  
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  ENV.2007.4.1.1.2 Contribution to a global biodiversity observation system
  
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  ENV.2007.4.1.3.2 Monitoring the ocean interior, seafloor and subseafloor
  
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  ENV.2007.4.1.3.3 Development of a Global Soil Observing System
  
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  ENV.2007.4.1.4.1 Georesource information system for Africa
  
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  ENV.2007.4.1.4.2 Improving observing systems for water resource management
  
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  ENV.2007.4.1.4.3 GEONETCast applications for developing countries
  

ENV.2007.4.1.4.1 Georesource information system for Africa:

AEGOS (African European Georesources Observation System) is a project capable of hosting and providing access to Africa’s geological resources, including groundwater, energy, raw materials and mineral resources. It will define:

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  operational procedures for data management (Spatial Data Infrastructure, metadata and data specification)
  
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  user-oriented products and services including the preparation of innovative spin off projects based on AEGOS and an evaluation of the input of Interoperability and interdisciplinary in support of GEOSS
  
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  the African- European partner network
  
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  a geoscience contribution to GEOSS, in the context of INSPIRE
  

ENV.2007.4.1.4.3 GEONETCast applications for developing countries:

DevCoCast aims at involving Developing Countries in the GEONETCast initiative, providing reliable and fast access to environmental information. The DevCoCast project will disseminate existing environmental added-value datasets (both in-situ and satellite based) from various sources in Africa, South- and Central America and Europe in (near) real time and at no cost via EONETCast to a broad range of user communities in Developing Countries
FP7 Call 2008, Sub-Activity 6.4.1, Earth and Ocean Observation Systems and monitoring methods for the environment and sustainable development

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  ENV.2008.4.1.1.1 European Environment Earth Observation system supporting INSPIRE and compatible with the GEOSS
  
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  ENV.2008.4.1.2.1 Cross-cutting research activities relevant to GEO
  
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  ENV.2008.4.1.3.1 Developing Earth Observation for the monitoring and prediction of environmental impacts from energy resource extraction, transportation and/or exploitation
  
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  ENV.2007.4.1.4.1 developing necessary research activities for capacity building relevant to Earth Observation and GEO in the Black Sea basin
  

ENV.2008.4.1.1.1 European Environment Earth Observation system supporting INSPIRE and compatible with the GEOSS:

The project will address scientific and technical feasibility of the European Environment Earth Observation System necessary for the implementation of the INSPIRE directive The project will take into account the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) needed for the GEOSS architecture described in GEO tasks AR-07-01, AR-07-02, AR-07-03, and AR-07-04. EuroGEOSS demonstrates the added value to the scientific community and society of making existing systems and applications interoperable and used within the GEOSS and INSPIRE frameworks. A dedicated project funded to see how INSPIRE works within GEOSS

III. GIGAS introduction and contribution to SIF

A. Annoni
Full Title: GEOSS INSPIRE and GMES an Action in Support

Duration: 24 Months – 1st of June 2008 – 31st of May 2010

Consortium: 19 partners (Co-ordinator Fraunhofer IGD)
Objectives: to promote the coherent and interoperable development of the GMES, INSPIRE and GEOSS initiatives through their concerted adoption of standards, protocols, and open architectures.
A Consensus-driven Approach through: Analysis, Comparison and Recommendations, Discussion consensus and Influence.
GIGAS Forum will: Facilitate communication amongst the project partners to achieve a broad consensus on the recommendations coming from WP2 and; Ensure that recommendations are sufficiently discussed and agreed upon by stakeholders representing various interests, ensuring that GIGAS recommendations reflect all stakeholders concerns.
The SIF European Regional Team is to increase efficiency in carrying out the work of the SIF, addressing issues such as:

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  bring local knowledge;
  
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  reach out multi-disciplinary and regional science Communities;
  
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  provide knowledge and experts about regional standard and interoperability arrangements;
  
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  support the SIF to complete the tasks submitted by Communities.
  
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  teleconferences effectiveness (e.g. minimizing time zone differences);
  

Activities

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  identify subject matter experts representing each (or most) of the Societal Benefit Areas of GEOSS in Europe.
  
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  facilitate the registration of European standards and interoperability best practices (e.g. special arrangements).
  
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  review standards and special arrangements submitted for entry into the standards registry.
  
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  help reach out to scientific Communities in Europe, as far as GEOSS is concerned.
  

Results are:

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  Consensus process that facilitates communication between INSPIRE, GEOSS, GMES and the standardisation bodies
  
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  Understanding requirements, commonalities and discrepancies between INSPIRE, GEOSS and GMES architectures and identify common interoperability needs
  
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  Contribute to a rapid uptake of standards
  
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  Design of an open, persistent test-bed in which organisations or external projects can integrate their (compliant) services
  

IV. Ontology and Taxonomy Development for GEOSS as a part of AR-09-01: GEOSS Common Infrastructure (GCI)

Japan
Proposal of a new sub-task:

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  Develop Ontology Registry: Collect available ontology, taxonomy, terminology, gazetteer and; Provide ontology registry service such as visualization, comparison.
  
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  Support development of a consistent ontology through registry of ontological information: GEO participants can compare and analyze available ontology and; GEO participants can develop more interoperable and appropriate ontology by referring to the registry.
  

Underlying idea of the proposed task: Help develop consistent ontology in each domain through providing ontology/terminology registry service as a part of GCI

Ontology Registry by Wiki, with an editing tool, and a gazetteer.
This is important because it is a precursor to ontologies. R. Shibasaki is working on this with IEEE. Japan is the lead and IEEE is the co-lead. There is not yet a point of contact. The first part of the task sheet has been written.

20. Wrap up
J. Pearlman summarized the session; We have probably seen close to 600 viewgraphs. We have seen a lot of accomplishments, but we also see a lot of challenges. The challenges are opportunities. We’ll address some of the issues in the co-chair meeting tomorrow.