1) Establishment of a Task Force CEOS Planning and Analysis
One of the key points arising from the Plenary was the need to conduct
an analysis to correlate the Dossier Volumes A, and C to ensure consistency
aming the space segment, and user requirements. In this regard, the Affiliates
have made significant advancement by updating the AAffiliates Dossier and
combining individual program requirements into a consolidated statement
of instrument requirements.
The task force will have members from both research and operations
and will draw up a work plan and do a first analysis during 1994-95. In
May 1995 the first results will be discussed at a user workshop to be hosted
by NASA.
2) Developing Country Activities
Building upon the successful workshop earlier in 1994, the Plenary
agreed to increase its efforts toward promoting the effective use of earth
observation data in developing countries. A positive report on the status
of the project on 'analysis of geographic coverage by high resolution satellites'
was presented and IGBP noted that progress on this project would be presented
to the next Plenary.
As well the Plenary supported the DARA offer to undertake a preliminary
study on a possible space information system in support of developing countries.
This information system would be intended to provide reliable and updated
information to developing countries and organizations involved in developing
countries work. The proposed information study supports the objective of
CEOS to serve as a forum for exchange of EO information. It will be decided
at the 9th Plenary session whether the outcormes of the feasibility study
warrant further action.
3) Interim WGINS, Working Groups and Subgroups
The ad-hoc Working Group on Networks will be converted to an interim
Working Group on international Network Services for a 1 year period. During
this coming year, the interim WGINS shall develop a strategy that will
provide a framework within which the interoperable user services and data
systems of CEOS participants would be harmonised. Also, the terms of reference
and structure of the Working Groups and Subgroups will be reviewed under
the guidance of the CEOS chairman, the Secretariat, and jointly with the
chairs of the Working Groups and Subgroups.
In cooperation with the WGD and WGCV, the interim WGINS will evaluate
pilot demonstration projects among member agencies and users in the field
of international network services.
4) Special Report on Successful Applications of EO Satellite Data
The Plenary commended Japan on its fine efforts in preparing its special
report on successful applications of EO satellite data and agreed to respond
positively to the NASDA request for further inputs.
The next edition of this report is planned for late 1995.