# Presentation: 716331

## The CEOS Constellation for   Land Surface Imaging G. Bryan Bailey, Co-ChairCEOS Land Surface ImagingConstellation Study Team

## CEOS is an international organization charged with coordinating international civil spaceborne missions designed to observe and study the Earth.
CEOS Membership
28 Members, most of which are space agencies.
20 Associates, which primarily are national and international organizations with interests in the use of space acquired Earth observation data.
CEOS is recognized as the major international forum for the coordination of Earth observation satellite programs and for the interaction of these programs with users of satellite data worldwide.
CEOS is the “space arm” of Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).

- CEOS Membership
- 28 Members, most of which are space agencies.
- 20 Associates, which primarily are national and international organizations with interests in the use of space acquired Earth observation data.
- CEOS is recognized as the major international forum for the coordination of Earth observation satellite programs and for the interaction of these programs with users of satellite data worldwide.
- CEOS is the “space arm” of Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).

**Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS)**

## CEOS Constellations concept is new and still evolving.
It might best be described as a new CEOS process designed -
To enhance effective planning and development of future earth observing systems by maximizing advantages of international collaboration without eroding the independence of individual agencies.
To increase the effectiveness with which international assets, including both space and ground segments, can be brought to bear on scientific problems and to meet a wide range of societal needs.
Fundamental concept is to extract clear requirements from target user communities and translate those requirements into “standards,” which can serve as guidance in the development of future systems and against which future proposed Earth observing systems can be assessed.

- It might best be described as a new CEOS process designed -
- To enhance effective planning and development of future earth observing systems by maximizing advantages of international collaboration _without eroding the independence of individual agencies._
- To increase the effectiveness with which international assets, including both space and ground segments, can be brought to bear on scientific problems and to meet a wide range of societal needs.
- Fundamental concept is to _extract clear requirements from target user communities_ and translate those requirements into “standards,” which can serve as guidance in the development of future systems and against which future proposed Earth observing systems can be assessed.

**The CEOS Constellations Concept**

## Potentially, there are many conceivable constellations.
CEOS has proposed 4 initial prototype virtual constellations.
Ocean Surface Topography
Precipitation
Atmospheric Chemistry
Land Surface Imaging
The USGS has been assigned responsibility for leading the Land Surface Imaging Constellation Study.
A Study Team with members from many international space agencies, as well as the land remote sensing user community,   has been established to conduct the LSI Constellation Study.

- CEOS has proposed 4 initial prototype virtual constellations.
- Ocean Surface Topography
- Precipitation
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Land Surface Imaging
- The USGS has been assigned responsibility for leading the Land Surface Imaging Constellation Study.
- A Study Team with members from many international space agencies, as well as the land remote sensing user community,   has been established to conduct the LSI Constellation Study.

**CEOS Constellations**

## LSI Constellation Study Team Members

-   CEOS Agency Members
-   G. Bryan Bailey - Co-Chair (USGS)
-   V. Jayaraman - Co-Chair (ISRO)
-   Herve JeanJean (CNES)
-   João Vianei** **(INPE)
-   Michael Berger (ESA)
-   Daniel DeLisle (CSA)
-   Anna Medico (CONAE)
-   Takeo Tadona (JAXA)
-   Kevin Gallo (NOAA)
-   Chris Blackerby (NASA)
-   Yonghong Zhang (NRSCC)

-   User Community Members
-   Alan Belward (JRC)
-   Brad Reed (USGS)
-   Mike Abrams (JPL)
-   Yasuchi Yamaguchi (Nagoya U.)
-   Stuart Marsh (BGS)

-   CEOS WG Members
-   Steve Ungar – WGCV (NASA)
-   Greg Stensaas – WGCV (USGS)
-   Jean-Pierre Antikidis – WGISS              			        (CNES)

## Fundamental Goal or Mission
“The Land Surface Imaging Constellation seeks to promote the efficient, effective, and comprehensive collection, distribution, and application of space-acquired image data of the global land surface, especially to meet societal needs of the global population, such as those addressed by the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) societal benefit areas.”
Primary Objectives
Define characteristics that describe optimal capabilities (and policies) that can become guidelines (or standards) in the development and operation of future LSI systems. 
Address current and near-term problems and issues facing the land remote sensing community today.
working more cooperatively in the operation of existing systems.
realize tangible benefits to society through application of LSI data.

- “The Land Surface Imaging Constellation seeks to promote the efficient, effective, and comprehensive collection, distribution, and application of space-acquired image data of the global land surface, especially to meet societal needs of the global population, such as those addressed by the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) societal benefit areas.”
- Primary Objectives
- Define characteristics that describe optimal capabilities (and policies) that can become _guidelines_ (or ***standards***) in the development and operation of ***future*** LSI systems.
- Address current and near-term problems and issues facing the land remote sensing community today.
- working more cooperatively in the operation of existing systems.
- realize tangible benefits to society through application of LSI data.

**Goal and Objectives of the LSI Constellation**

## Methodology focuses on definition and conduct of a series of Constellation studies and activities.
Carried out or directed by the LSI Constellation Study Team
Result in the definition of standards for optimal future systems
Also address shorter-term problems and issues
In terms of scope, studies leading to the definition of standards for a LSI Constellation will be based on a compilation of representative user requirements and will examine at least three fundamental areas.
Space Segments
Ground Systems
Policies and Plans

- Carried out or directed by the LSI Constellation Study Team
- Result in the definition of standards for optimal future systems
- Also address shorter-term problems and issues
- In terms of scope, studies leading to the definition of standards for a LSI Constellation will be based on a compilation of representative user requirements and will examine at least three fundamental areas.
- Space Segments
- Ground Systems
- Policies and Plans

**Methodology and Scope**

## 2007 LSI Constellation studies placed heavy emphasis on mid-resolution land surface imaging systems.
Three primary goals were identified for 2007.
Establish agreement(s), among space agencies currently operating mid-resolution land surfacing imaging satellite systems, to cooperate more closely together to operate those assets as a real prototype Land Surface Imaging Constellation. 
Develop preliminary standards for a mid-resolution Land Surface Imaging Constellation.
Meaningfully contribute to the production of a fundamental climate data record (FCDR).
None of the three goals were fully accomplished, but important progress was made toward achieving each of them.

- _Three primary goals_ were identified for 2007.
- Establish agreement(s), among space agencies currently operating mid-resolution land surfacing imaging satellite systems, to cooperate more closely together to operate those assets as a real prototype Land Surface Imaging Constellation.
- Develop preliminary standards for a mid-resolution Land Surface Imaging Constellation.
- Meaningfully contribute to the production of a fundamental climate data record (FCDR).
- None of the three goals were fully accomplished, but important progress was made toward achieving each of them.

**2007 Goals, Objectives, and Accomplishments**

## A “Declaration of Intent for Cooperation on Mid-Resolution Satellite Systems” in which space agencies resolve to seek ways to cooperate more fully in the operation of their existing mid-resolution land surface imaging satellite systems was signed by seven of eight agencies that operate such systems.
Three additional agreements that add specificity and detail for cooperation in  specified areas were drafted and currently are under review by the agencies.
Enhanced user access to data
Data acquisition
Ground segment operations
Detailed agreements are based on user recommendations for improved cooperation, and they seek a balance between what users may desire and what space agencies realistically can accommodate.

- Three additional agreements that add specificity and detail for cooperation in  specified areas were drafted and currently ***are under review by the agencies.***
- Enhanced user access to data
- Data acquisition
- Ground segment operations
- Detailed agreements are based on user recommendations for improved cooperation, and they seek a balance between what users may desire and what space agencies realistically can accommodate.

**Agreement for a *****Real***** Prototype Constellation**

## Enhanced User Access to Data
Create and maintain a common website.
Information about all currently operating LSI mid-resolution satellite systems
Characteristics of the data they collect
Links to search & order tools for those systems
Establish a clearinghouse for free data offered by operators of mid-resolution systems and work to increase amount of free data available.
Develop, and provide free access to, “bundles” of mid-resolution LSI data collected over common sites by agency systems.
Data Acquisition
Establish coordinated and complementary data acquisition strategies.
Optimized regional coverage by national systems.
Maximize global coverage
Shorten repeat cycles
Increase cloud free data over cloudy areas

- Create and maintain a common website.
- Information about all currently operating LSI mid-resolution satellite systems
- Characteristics of the data they collect
- Links to search & order tools for those systems
- Establish a clearinghouse for free data offered by operators of mid-resolution systems and work to increase amount of free data available.
- Develop, and provide free access to, “bundles” of mid-resolution LSI data collected over common sites by agency systems.
- Data Acquisition
- Establish coordinated and complementary data acquisition strategies.
- Optimized regional coverage by national systems.
- Maximize global coverage
- Shorten repeat cycles
- Increase cloud free data over cloudy areas

**User Recommendations for Increased Cooperation**

## Data Acquisition (cont.)
Develop a joint “data gap” acquisition strategy to minimize impacts on global data coverage from loss of one or more mid-resolution systems.
Jointly define a suite of environmentally sensitive sites, geohazard sites, calibration sites, and other key sites, and then develop cooperative strategies to ensure regular collection by all mid-resolution systems.
Ground Segment Operations
Cooperate in the definition of common processing parameters to provide users with data in standard formats and projections, as well as standard metadata content.
Consider development of a common orthorectified image product for all mid-resolution LSI satellite systems.

- Develop a joint “data gap” acquisition strategy to minimize impacts on global data coverage from loss of one or more mid-resolution systems.
- Jointly define a suite of environmentally sensitive sites, geohazard sites, calibration sites, and other key sites, and then develop cooperative strategies to ensure regular collection by all mid-resolution systems.
- Ground Segment Operations
- Cooperate in the definition of common processing parameters to provide users with data in standard formats and projections, as well as standard metadata content.
- Consider development of a common orthorectified image product for all mid-resolution LSI satellite systems.

**User Recommendations **(cont.)

**Constellation Standards:  Mid-Resolution Systems**

- The primary objective was to define a suite of initial standards  (or guidelines) that describe optimal characteristics of a mid-resolution LSI Constellation.
- Space segments
- Ground systems
- Policies and operational considerations
- Standards were developed based on the compilation of a representative cross-section of user information and technical requirements.
- Work on this goal was accomplished largely via a contract let    by the USGS with Noblis, a non-profit science, technology, and strategy organization.

##    From User Information Requirements to System Requirements

|         | Vegetation (Cultivated)Crops, Trees, Shrubs, Aquatic-Regularly Flooded | Vegetation (Natural)Forests, Shrubs, Grassland | Infrastructure (Man-made) Urban Areas, Roads, Other Structures | Solid Earth Rocks/Soils Topography | Water Availability Waterbodies, Snow, Ice | Geo-Hazards     Forest Fires, Volcanoes, Floods |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Spectral Band Coverage | Mapping/CharacterizationVisible, NIR, SWIR* (IGOL 4.6.1, par. 1) | Ecosystem FunctionHyperspectral(Decadal, pg 7-11) | Urban Mapping / Growth TrackingLandsat, SPOT bands, SAR(IGOL 4.8.2) | Surface CompositionHyperspectral, TIR(Decadal, pg 8-21) | Snow Amount EstimationOptical, thermal, and microwave(IGOL 4.6.1, par. 2) | Rapid Post-Burn and Agricultural Flooding AssessmentVisible, Infrared, and Microwave(IGOL 4.4.1.1, par 4 and 4.6.1, par. 2) |
| Radiometric Accuracy | 3% Goal/5% Threshold(Sentinel-2, par 3.11)<5% (NLIP, pg 33)(Landsat User Survey, pg 24) | 3% Goal/5% Threshold(Sentinel-2, par 3.11)<5% (NLIP, pg 33)(Landsat User Survey, pg 24) | <5% (NLIP, pg 33) (Landsat User Survey, pg 24) | <5% (NLIP, pg 33) (Landsat User Survey, pg 24) | <5% (NLIP, pg 33) (Landsat User Survey, pg 24) | <5% (NLIP, pg 33) (Landsat User Survey, pg 24) |
| Spatial Resolution | Mapping/MonitoringRegional scale: 10m - 30mGlobal scale: 100m - 500m(IGOL 4.6.1, par.2)  | GSE Forest Monitoring10 meter Europe/other continents (Sentinel-2, par. 2.3) | GSE Risk/EOS Assets Mapping5-10m(Sentinel-2, par 2,3) | Surface Composition50-75m(Decadal, pg 8-21) | Seasonality and Intensity of Irrigation10m - 30m(IGOL 4.9.4) | Rapid Post-Burn and Flood Assessment10m - 30m(IGOL 4.4.1.1, par. 4)<20m (IGOL 4.4.3.5)5-10m (Sentinel-2, par 2.3) |
| Geolocation Accuracy | <65m uncertainty(NLIP, pag 33) | <65m uncertainty(NLIP, pag 33) | <65m uncertainty(NLIP, pag 33) | <65m uncertainty(NLIP, pag 33) | <65m uncertainty(NLIP, pag 33) | <65m uncertainty(NLIP, pag 33) |
| Desired Repeat Frequency | Mapping / Monitoring / Characterization5-10 day return period, cloud-free coverage (10m - 20m)(IGOL 4.6.6) | Ecosystem Function30-day, or pointable to daily(Decadal, pg 7-11) | Human Settlement "Footprints"Update at or near annual increment(IGOL 4.8.1, par.1) | Surface Composition30-day, pointable to daily(Decadal, pg 8-21) | Irrigated Area ObservationBiannual ("moderate" res.) - Decadal ("fine" res.)(IGOL 4.9.1.1, par. 2) | Rapid Post-Burn AssessmentWithin 48 hr. of fire(IGOL 4.4.1.1, par. 4) |

##   Preliminary Guidelines for Mid-Res. LSI Satellite Systems (example)

|  |  | Minimum | Recommended |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Spectral Band Coverage | 3 VNIR, 1 SWIR | 4 VNIR, 2 SWIR, 2 TIR
 2 Atm correction |
|  | Radiometric Accuracy | <15 % | <5% |
|  | Spatial Resolution | 10-100m | 10 to15m |
|  | Geolocation Accuracy | 500m | 50 m |
|  | Geographic Coverage (swath) | Not less than 60km | 100 to 200 km |
|  | Desired Global Repeat | 4 Days (Constellation) | 2 days (Constellation) |
|  | Processing Level Provided | L1B | L1B-Orthorectified, L0 with Metadata, and other derived information products TBD |
|  | Plans to Archive Data | 3 months at local direct downlink station | Permanently by each participating satellite provider |
|  | Search/Order Method | On-Line (Internet) | Through GEO Web Portal |
|  | Metadata/Formatting Stds. | KML and JPEG2000 | KML, JPEG2000, GEOTIFF, HDF, NetCDF |
|  | Product Delivery Method | Internet | Internet, DVD |
|  | Data Use Restrictions | Minimal, consistent with pricing policy | None, consistent with national law |
|  | Distribution Policies (includes pricing) | Tiered, with some free for education and research | Free (or nearly so) to virtually all |
|  | Acquisition Strategy | Bilateral agreements between satellite operators and local downlink station holders | Global, based on an international LTAP strategy with some opportunities for user data acquisition requests |
|  | General | Standard product and metadata availability | Standard products, metadata, algorithms |

- Space Segment

- Ground Segment

- Data & Ops
- Policies

-   Preliminary Guidelines for Mid-Res. LSI Satellite Systems (example)

## The objective of this 2007 goal was to demonstrate the value and viability of the LSI constellation by making a tangible contribution that both advances science and benefits society.
The goal for 2007 was to provide the UN FAO Forest Resource Assessment 2010 (FRA2010) with the land surface image data needed to complete this assessment, or at least to establish the interagency agreements to do so.
However, the FRA2010 Project was not able to identify holes in the primary Landsat data set, and thus exact data requirements could not be defined.
Instead, estimates of the maximum number of image cells needed were made, and an agreement drafted calling for CEOS agencies  to provide FRA2010 up to 1000 such image cells free of charge.

- The goal for 2007 was to provide the UN FAO Forest Resource Assessment 2010 (FRA2010) with the land surface image _**data**_ needed to complete this assessment, or at least to establish the interagency agreements to do so.
- However, the FRA2010 Project was not able to identify holes in the primary Landsat data set, and thus exact data requirements could not be defined.
- Instead, estimates of the maximum number of image cells needed were made, and an agreement drafted calling for CEOS agencies  to provide FRA2010 up to 1000 such image cells free of charge.

**Data for a *****Fundamental Climate Data Record***

## LSI Constellation – Next Steps and Challenges

- Key Planned Activities
- Hold Study Team meeting in February.
- Assess 2007 accomplishments and shortcomings
- Engage in longer-term strategic planning
- Develop 2008 Work Plan
- Continue to work on unfinished tasks from 2007 Work Plan.
- Enhance relevancy to GEO/GEOSS goals and objectives.
- Key Challenges
- Dedicating sufficient personnel resources to accomplish the work.
- Securing agency concurrence on documents approved by Study Team.
- Fully engaging the land remote sensing user community.
- Balancing agency agendas with common goals.
- Managing expectations, such as what reasonably can be achieved and in what timeframe.

## LSI Constellation Connections to GEO 

| SBA | Science and Measurements  | GEO 2007-2009 Work Plan | GEOSS 2-year Targets | GEOSS 6-year Targets | GEOSS 10-year Targets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  Disaster | Fires: fuels mapping, thermal mapping, recovery monitoring
Volcanoes: deformation detection & monitoring; thermal monitoring
Floods: topography; inundation monitoring
General: pre-event conditions; post-event monitoring | DI-06-03: Integration of InSAR Technology
DI-06-07: Multi-hazard Zonation and Maps
DI-06-08: Multi-hazard Approach Definition and Progressive Implementation
DI-06-09: Use of Satellites for Risk Management
DI-06-13: Implementation of a Fire Warning System at Global Level
DI-07-01: Risk Management for Floods | Strengthen International Charter.
InSAR integration to disaster
warning & prediction systems. | CEOS-assured continuity of critical observations.
Explore Lidar/InSAR topography for low-relief & coastal zones.
More automated satellite data processing systems for rapid hazard detection (oil spill, fires). | Address unmet needs:
Significant increase in SAR (C/X/L); optimized L-band SAR for InSAR &  forests; hyper-spectral for smoke & pollution plumes; passive microwave for soil moisture.
Develop methods to determine  shallow bathymetry (tsunami applications). |
|  Health | Infectious Disease: land cover; topography; drainage basin flows
Accidental Death & Injury: land cover; topography
Birth Defects: land cover; topography | HE-06-03: Forecast Health Hazards
HE-07-01: Strengthen Observation & Information Systems for Health
HE-07-02: Environment & Health Monitoring and Modeling
HE-07-03: Integrated Atmospheric Pollution Monitoring, Modeling & Forecasting | Define high-resolution sensors for health observations. 
Improve access to historical remote sensing data for health applications.
Define observation & data requirements. | Derive wide-area health parameters from satellite.
Specifications for major new  observation capabilities. | Facilitate early detection and control of environmental risks. |
|  Energy | Oil & Gas Exploration, Refining & Transport Operations, Renewable Energy & Plant Siting Operations., Biomass Crop Optimization : DEMs; land use/cover; geologic maps; urban extent; subsidence maps  | EN-06-04: Using New Observation Systems for Energy
EN-07-01: Management of Energy Sources
EN-07-02: Energy Environmental Impact Monitoring
EN-07-03: Energy Policy Planning | Develop strategic plan to use new generation systems.
Exchange and use of data & products. | Exchange and use of data & products.
 | Implement operational observation system - reliable & timely data for energy sector.
Exchange and use of data & products.
 |
| Climate | Understanding, Assessing and Predicting Climate Change: lake levels, snow cover, glaciers & ice caps, albedo, land cover, FAPAR, LAI, biomass, fire disturbance
Mitigating Climate Change: fire disturbance, albedo biomass, land cover, FAPAR | CL-06-01: Sustained Reprocessing/ Reanalysis Efforts
CL-06-02: Key Climate Data from Satellite Systems
CL-06-03: Key Terrestrial Observations for Climate
CL-06-05: GEOS IPY Contribution
CL-07-01: Seamless Weather and Climate Prediction System | Implement GCOS-IP and IGOS Theme Reports. 
Emphasize importance of satellite observations for climate.
Establish strong international  coordination mechanisms.  | Implement GCOS-IP and IGOS Theme Reports. 
Promote collaboration between observation and research organizations.
Develop and operate new instruments for essential climate variable (ECVs). | Implement GCOS-IP and IGOS Theme Reports. 
Develop a long-term strategy for observation, data assimilation, and modeling. |

**LSI Constellation Connections to GEO **

## LSI Constellation Connections to GEO 

| SBA | Science and Measurements  | GEO 2007-2009 Work Plan | GEOSS 2-year Targets | GEOSS 6-year Targets | GEOSS 10-year Targets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Water | Water Flux & Storage Information: evapotranspiration; lake & reservoir  extent/level; snow cover, glaciers, ice cap
Radiation & Energy Budget: albedo; surface emissivity & temperature
Other Information: topography, vegetation type; land use/land change | WA-06-02: Forecast Models for Drought & Water Resource Management
WA-07-01: Global Water Quality Monitoring
WA-07-02: Satellite Water Quantity Measurements & Integration with In-situ Data | Collaborative mechanism between observations and research communities.  | Collaborative mechanism between observations and research communities.
 |  |
| Ecosystems | Ecosystem Extent, Composition, Structure, & Function: habitat types; LAI; biomass; canopy
Human Drivers: harvest intensity; lake eutrophic zones
Disturbance: burned areas; pest & disease outbreaks; river discharge patterns | EC-06-01: Integrated Global Carbon Observation (IGCO)
EC-06-02: Ecosystem Classification
EC-06-07: Regional Networks for Ecosystems
EC-07-01: Global Ecosystem Observation & Monitoring Network | Implement IGOS Carbon observing system.
Continuity of moderate to 
high-resolution EO satellites for land cover. 
Study new sensors and platforms. | Global ecosystem mapping at 500m resolution.
Establish the role of satellite data in global  farming systems database.
Continuity of high-resolution imagery for monitoring logging in key biologically diverse regions. | Monitoring of urban ecosystems. |
| Agriculture | Food Security: crop area; crop condition; crop yield
Timber, Fuel, & Fiber: burned area, topography, forest area
Grazing Systems: rangeland area; topography; land quality | AG-06-01: GEOSS Agriculture Strategic Plan
AG-06-02: Data Utilization in Aquaculture
AG-06-03: Forest Mapping & Monitoring
AG-07-01: Improving Measurements of Biomass
AG-07-02: Agriculture Risk Management
AG-07-03: Operational Agricultural  Monitoring System | Land cover mapping of 1:1M.
Establish basis for continuity of high-resolution optical and radar satellites. | Global land cover product at 1:500,000.
  | Global production capabilities:Land cover observations for  1:250,000;
Land use observations for 1:500,000.
Fully integrated observation system for on-time drought Early Warning System for food-insecure regions. |
| Biodiversity | Conservation: location and area of ecosystems
Invasive Species: vegetation type; vegetation stress; impact extent
Natural Resources: land cover; topography; vegetation stress | BI-06-03: Capturing Historical Biodiversity Data
BI-07-01: Biodiversity Observation Network
BI-07-02: Invasive Species Monitoring System | Develop observation strategies to support 2010 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) targets. |  |  |

## A Potential Real Prototype 

**TERRA**

**LANDSAT**

**SPOT**

**ALOS**

**RESOURCESAT**

**IRS**

**CBERS**

**A Potential **_***Real***_** Prototype **
**Land Surface Imaging Constellation**

**SAC-C**