Review of SIT-34 Actions

1. Review of SIT-34 Actions Committee on Earth Observation Satellites Dr. Stephen Volz, NOAA, CEOS SIT Chair CEOS SIT-34 Session 8, Agenda item 8.6 Miami, FL, USA 3 – 4 April 2019

2. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 1: Welcome and Introduction 1.5 SIT chair 2018-2019 Priorities and SIT-34 Objectives Outcomes/Actions • None 1.6 Status of Open Actions Outcomes/Actions • None 1.7 Discussion Outcomes/Actions • None

3. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 2: Organizational Matters Part 1 2.2 CEOS Work Plan 2019-2021 Outcomes/Actions • Aim to have the leadership table (positions) filled in until 2021 by end of SIT TW • Noted that would be helpful to identify longer term objectives in the Work Plan. As discussed, entities can indicate long-term objectives and aspirations in narrative text of the Work Plan • CEOS Entity leads to inform CEO of key indicators/information that would be useful to them in monitoring their deliverables (dashboard) end April

4. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 2: Organizational Matters Part 1 - cont 2.3 CEOS Resources Outcomes/Actions • All CEOS Virtual Constellation Co-Leads, Working Group Chairs and Vice Chairs, and Ad Hoc Team Co-Leads to provide updated content and information for the CEOS website to CEOS SEO, with a cc to the CEO. Due Date: 30 June 2019 2.4 Sustainability Discussion: Part One Outcomes/Actions • A good initial discussion took place; and the expectation is to continue this discussion across the coming day and a half of SIT-34

5. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 3: Partnerships 3.2 Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Update Outcomes/Actions • None 3.3 Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Update Outcomes/Actions • WGISS would like a representative on the GEOSS “Infrastructure Development Foundational Task /Implementation Coordination/to be named” Task Force 3.4 CEOS Engagement with GEO Outcomes/Actions • SEO, in consultation with CEOS SEC, to form working team to address potential CEOS video (presentation) to GEO Plenary pending discussions with Australian Government Summit Taskforce/Ministerial Summit Working Group (MSWG). • Need to determine how to approach the MSWG

6. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 3: Partnerships 3.5 GEO Amazon Credits Outcomes/Actions • SEO will support GEOSEC in assessing responses. GA offered to help • Idea of starting to tackle idea of platforms, data policy, benefits? 3.6 GEO-XVI Plenary and Ministerial Outcomes/Actions • Action: Does CEOS want to consider submitting a proposal for a side event noting the desire for - “less, bigger, better?” (CEOS SEC t/c) • Ideas from CEOS agencies invited on theme (to JR, KS, SH) 3.7 GEO-LEO Updates Outcomes/Actions • NOAA SIT Chair Team to coordinate with WGDisasters, WGCapD and VNSC on possible evolution of GEO-LEO pilot • NOAA SIT Chair Team to report on conclusion of CGMS pilot to SIT TW • Coordinate with JMA on implementation for their region or with NMHS (sounds like CGMS?..)

7. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 3: Partnerships 3.8 World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Update Outcomes/Actions • CEOS to acknowledge the Cg18 resolution • Copy the four bullets from the WMO-CEOS Partnership slide 3.9 Working Group on Capacity Building and Data Democracy (WGCapD) Outcomes/Actions • Agencies to consider nominations for Vice Chair

8. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 4: Observations for End Users 4.2 Observations for Climate Outcomes: • Albrecht von Bargen (DLR) nominated to become Vice Chair 2019-2020 and Chair 2020-2022; confirmed via letter from DLR. SIT-34 confirmed virtual Plenary endorsement and CGMS endorsement will occur so that Albrecht can officially take on role as of 1 Jun 2019. • WGClimate #10 established a task team (on ??) that consists of a leader and a deputy with nominal terms of 2 years; Mark Dowell, EC (Leader), Albrecht von Bargen, DLR (Deputy); • A dedicated proposal will come at CEOS-33 Plenary with the roadmap. Additional resources will be needed. • Need an updated CEOS/CGMS statement for SBSTA-50. If needed, propose to present this at CGMS-47, 19-24 May 2019 for endorsement and CEOS endorses it in written procedure shortly after.

9. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 4: Observations for End Users 4.3 Space Climate Observatory Outcomes • Potential connections between SCO and CEOS activities through WGClimate, WGISS, WGCAPD, WG Disasters, AHT SDG, AHT FDA 4.4 Atmospheric Composition Virtual Constellation (AC-VC) Outcomes • AC-VC Proposal for leadership cycle is for no set term limits, but to include a dedicated discussion of leadership rotation during the annual AC-VC meeting 4.5 Observations for Disasters Outcomes: • WG Disasters is reviewing its ToR and DRM observation strategy – new agencies with disaster activities are welcome! • Draft ToR planned for discussion at the next SIT TW 4.6 Observations for Agriculture Outcomes • Ask that the AHWG respond to GEOGLAM’s updated requirements, even if no comment • Decision on the future of the GEOGLAM AHWG

10. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 4: Observations for End Users 4.7 Observations for Forest Outcomes/Actions • Feedback is welcome on the SDCG stated goal for a new thread focused on ‘accelerating the policy relevance of the new generation of biomass measurements from space • Pursue GFOI ARD pilot in support of CEOS ARD Strategy with LSI-VC • SDCG will follow up representation from biomass mission agencies • Identify interaction point for WGCapD to interact and support GEOGLAM and GFOI • GFOI request to CEOS for Global satellite-based biomass (AGB) acquisition and provision 4.8 Observations for SDGS Outcomes/Actions • Identify the key partners that CEOS should engage with concerning SDGs • Identify common vision for CEOS activities on SDGs, including decision regarding structure. • Agencies that are ready and able to support one, two, three, any or all, of the indicators presented need to indicate interest to the Co-Leads of the SDG AHT

11. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 5: Data 5.2 Working Group on Information Systems and Services (WGISS) Outcomes: • Call for WGISS Vice Chair Nomination (October 2019-2021) 5.3 Working Group on Calibration and Validation (WGCV) Outcomes • Protocol documents underway for Biomass (Q3 2019) and Surface Albedo (endorsed in July 2019) • Important role of WGCV in CARD4L review process recognised

12. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 5: Data 5.4 Analysis Ready Data (ARD) Outcomes • ACTION VCs, WGs, and AHTs and all are encouraged to provide a reply to the short questionnaire that has already been provided to them. extend the action that was due at SIT 34 • ACTION SIT Vice Chair to bring fleshed-out ARD Strategy to SIT TW for discussion and with a view to a final version for endorsement at Plenary 5.5 Land Surface Imaging Virtual Constellation (LSI-VC) Outcomes • CEOS Agencies asked to note the completion of the CARD4L PFS for Normalised Radar Backscatter, Land Surface Temperature and Land Surface Reflectance. These specifications demonstrate CEOS leadership as a forum, and have been developed to support CEOS mission to deliver value from Earth observations. • CEOS Agencies are encouraged to work toward adopting these specifications in processing and re-processing of globally significant datatsets, such as Landsat, Sentinel 1-2, and ALOS/ALOS-2. Further development of leading processors, such as CNES PEPs, could also support CARD4L.

13. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 6: Oceans and Water Cycle 6.2 Ocean Color Radiometry Virtual Constellation (OCR-VC) Outcomes: • Potential opportunity to link IOCCG and WGCapD capacity building efforts including at upcoming South Korean workshop 6.4 Ocean Surface Topography Virtual Constellation (OST-VC) Outcomes • No attendance or presentation 6.5 Ocean Surface Vector Wind Virtual Constellation (OSVW-VC) Outcomes • Noted time of day coverage optimization, and ongoing efforts to work with China and India to progress • Potential opportunity to coordinate the outreach to China with similar effort for SST-VC and LSI-VC 6.6 Sea Surface Temperature Virtual Constellation (SST-VC) Outcomes • SST-VC fine to rotate leadership, and candidates to step forward are likely

14. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 6: Oceans and Water Cycle 6.7 COVERAGE Outcomes: • Phase A (definition) complete; Phase B (prototype) being initiated • Collaboration with EUMETSAT on prototype / proof of concept on WEKEO cloud • Potential opportunity to include COVERAGE in the GEO Work Programme raised • GA to follow up with COVERAGE via email on question about strategy to deal with potential resistance from community. Need to demonstrate use cases that show the benefit before can get over that resistance 6.8 Observations for Coasts Outcomes • WG revisit and update the coastal observing requirements previously articulated in the IGOS Coastal Theme Report • ACTION? Propose to bring to SIT TW ideas for a new ad-hoc Coastal observing and applications working group (linked to GEO Blue Planet) to SIT TW, and targeted demonstration projects focusing on flooding, water quality, eutrophication, HABs, and/or other ecosystem impacts. - AS A SCOPING WORKSHOP FIRST?? • WGDisasters is considering expanding activity to address coastal regions

15. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 6: Oceans and Water Cycle 6.10 Precipitation Virtual Constellation (P-VC) Outcomes • Gail Skofronick-Jackson/NASA became co-lead, replacing Steve Neeck/NASA • Potential cross-cutting CEOS links (e.g. atmosphere, disasters, agriculture, freshwater), but not clear how this would translate to thematically-merged VCs • It may be worth considering assessing the fragility of the VC in terms of the impact of the loss of specific satellites, and what gaps might be foreseen 6.11 Observations for Water Outcomes • There is a crucial need for CEOS water (inland, estuarine and marine) observations to support monitoring and forecasting activities for GEO and broader international user communities (eg SDGs). The opportunity and need exists for greatly enhanced CEOS engagement.

16. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 6: Oceans and Water Cycle 6.12 Freshwater from Space Outcomes: • The first freshwater from space workshop was the start of the discussion; follow-up is needed to drive out priorities for space agency engagement • The suggested target is a report on a “Space-based Constellation Architecture For Monitoring Freshwater Resources And Quality” • The idea of a co-located follow-up workshop with GEOGLOWS focused on key measurements and gaps was raised

17. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 7:Organizational Matters Part II 7.2 Revisit CEOS Agency Data Policies Outcomes: • CEOS Agencies should consider release of historical archived sat data as these data are a “public good” and may be useful for time series applications and calibration-validation activities • This issue could be raised at GEO Ministerial, including by CEOS agencies to the delegations or during any CEOS communications to GEO Ministerial or Plenary 7.3 Discussion Outcomes • VC leadership rotation - leads are submitted as “Ad-hom” with agency endorsement. • ACTION: SIT Chair to draft and distribute the proposed language for the proposed VC leadership rotation • ACTION: SIT Chair to draft process language for a two-year initiation cycle for standing up new AHTs. The two-year initial cycle will allow for defining the objective, evaluating the merit and value of the objectives, and determining the appropriate path forward for continued support within CEOS. Language should include AHT closure process.

18. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 7:Organizational Matters Part II 7.3 Discussion Outcomes • ACTION: SIT Chair to lead a study team to look at the proposed concept for a Working Group on Information provision and draft and appropriate way forward for the WG based on the study group TOR • ACTION: SIT Chair team to draft one page TOR, framing the work of this study team and providing rough time frame for expected work. This document would then be circulated to CEOS SIT for concurrence. DUE May 1, 2019

19. 7.3 Discussion (cont) Outcomes • cont

20. SIT-34 Outcomes and Actions – Session 8:AOB, Review of Main Points/Actions 8.1 Review and Discussion of Main Points Outcomes: • (Insert outcomes here) 8.2 Any Other Business Outcomes • (Insert outcomes here) 8.3 2020-2021 SIT Chair Proposed Priorities Outcomes • (Insert outcomes here) 8.5 Way Forward to 2019 SIT Technical Workshop Outcomes • (Insert outcomes here)