The Full Picture

JOSE ACHACHE,

DIRECTOR, SECRETARIAT, GROUP ON EARTH OBSERVATIONS

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Introduction

Two years ago, the Group on Earth Observations, embarked on an ambitious journey to build a system that

will give us the full picture of global environmental trends.

In the following pages you will visit the construction site for this global infrastructure, one that will change

the way we do business in the 21st century. Written by the construction crew itself,

The Full Picture

describes

the progress made on building the Global Earth Observations System of Systems. I believe this book offers

compelling evidence that these achievements have been nothing short of remarkable.

Since its inception in 2005, GEOSS has gained momentum towards becoming a comprehensive, near-real-

time information system that will coordinate present and future observation systems, monitor the entire

Earth, track changes in all of its physical, chemical and biological systems, and serve as an essential decision-

support tool for a vast range of issues and user groups.

The first section of

The Full Picture

includes supporting statements from GEO’s four Co-Chairs and from

other committed leaders representing countries and organizations that have made the rapid start-up of

GEOSS possible. Chapter One features a series of national and regional reports demonstrating the strong

commitment that the GEO Member governments have made to this cooperative venture. Interestingly, while

GEOSS was conceived as an instrument for international cooperation, it has also succeeded in promoting

greater cooperation within countries.

Chapter Two describes the progress made on various systems for collecting and, crucially, disseminating

information to decision makers, as well as in establishing an architecture for GEOSS which will ensure that

all contributed observation systems are interoperable. These activities form the essential foundation upon

which the entire GEOSS project will rest.

Chapter Three focuses on the user side of the equation. With an essential role in GEO, user groups include

decision-makers and professionals in the fields of disasters, health, energy, climate, water, weather,

ecosystems, agriculture, and biodiversity. The projects presented demonstrate the value of Earth observations

for environmental management, social and economic progress, and human well-being.

Many of the activities described in Chapters Two and Three are being presented at the Cape Town

Ministerial Summit in November 2007. These Early Achievements are the first 100 steps towards an effective

GEOSS.

I extend my warm appreciation to all GEO Members and Participating Organizations which are

contributing their systems and services to GEOSS and my congratulations to the authors of the articles

appearing in this book. Their commitment has been the true inspiration behind the dramatic progress that

has been made towards the construction of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems.

José Achache

Director, Secretariat, Group on Earth Observations