A core driver of CEOS-ARD is the provision of data that allows immediate analysis with a minimum of additional user effort. Cloud computing is central to achieving this ambition. This task encompasses the work that must be done across the CEOS-ARD Oversight Group, WGISS, and the VCs to ensure effective availability and use of CEOS-ARD in the cloud.
Topics include: taking stock of CEOS-ARD availabiltiy in the cloud; exploring how CEOS-ARD can better support cloud platforms, data providers and users and be better represented in the cloud (e.g., branding, logo); and discussions around data formats and STAC / metadata catalogues, cross-cloud data access and use, authoritative data / provenance, etc.
Connecting CEOS with OGC's Earth Observation Exploitation Platform DWG could be beneficial and should be explored.
Getting CEOS-ARD into the cloud, and making it accessible and interoperable across all major cloud platforms is a priority.
WGISS has been advancing the concept of an ‘Interoperability Framework’, and LSI-VC and the CEOS-ARD Oversight Group are contributing.
CEOS-ARD is the first step on the “interoperability spectrum”, and a number of additional interoperability factors also need to be addressed.
Considerations include:
LSI-VC is working with the SEO, WGISS and various external stakeholders to explore these topics to advance the search and discovery of CEOS-ARD, as an important enabling technology for cross-cloud data access.
A statement of recommendations / desires for CEOS to address regarding the search, discovery, access, use and exploitation of cloud-based EO data is being discussed.