Creation of a System of Systems on a Global Scale: The Evolution of GEOSS Dr. Jay Pearlman The Boeing Company September 26 2006

Global Earth Observation System of Systems GEOSS

The Earth is a complex system of systems The Earth is a complex system of systems, and to understand it, data is required from multiple observation networks and systems. A Global Earth Observation System of Systems is required to meet the challenge Data are required from multiple observation networks and systems

Temperature and Greenhouse Gas Histories starting at 400,000 yr BP Is the present a normal oscillation or is it Global Warming?

Times are changing? ?? Agriculture Industry

GEOSS A Global, Coordinated, Comprehensive and Sustained System of Earth Observing Systems GEOSS is a global distributed system, including satellite observation systems, Global in situ networks and systems, And local and regional in situ networks. GEOSS will deliver the benefits of EO to both data & information providers and consumers world wide. Address the need for timely, quality, long-term, global information as a basis for sound decision making.

Nine GEOSS Societal Benefit Areas Water Resources Natural & Human Induced Disasters Ecosystems A coordinated Earth observation system is an excellent example of science serving society. Rather than building observation systems for a specific application and adapting it to other uses as we have in the past, we are now looking at an integrated approach focused on these nine societal benefit areas: Weather Forecasting Reduce Loss of Life and Property from Disasters Protect and Monitor Our Ocean Resources Understand, Assess, Predict, Mitigate, and Adapt to Climate Variability and Change Support Sustainable Agriculture and Combat Land Degradation Understand the Effect of Environmental Factors on Human Health and Well-Being Develop the Capacity to Make Ecological Forecasts Protect and Monitor Water Resources Monitor and Manage Energy Resources Energy Resources Sustainable Agriculture & Desertification Human Health & Well-Being Weather Information and Forecasting Climate Variability & Change Oceans

Health Relative Positions of « Meningitis Belt » and Intertropical Convergence Zone (July and January) © 2002

Cholera Outbreaks Forecasting VIBRIO CHOLERAE HAS A MARINE ZOONOTIC CYCLE ASSOCIATED WITH ALGAL BLOOMS BAY OF BENGAL COPEPOD AVRHH SEPT 1992 FALSE COLOR INFRARED

AVHRR Global Composite SST Images - 1992 JANUARY MAY

SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE PREDICTS CHOLERA CASES BAY OF BENGAL Lobitz et al. 2000 PNAS 97:1430

Flood Forecasting

Global Continental Water-Level Observations Strengthening satellite and in situ monitoring networks of estuaries, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and groundwater levels: For flood risk management For improving water resource management For understanding sea-level rise

The GEOSS Architecture A Systems of Systems Implementation

What is a “System of Systems?” Definition: A System-of-Systems (SoS) is a “super-system” comprised of elements that are themselves complex, independent systems which interact to achieve a common goal. Common Characteristics: The component systems achieve well-substantiated purposes in their own right even if detached from the overall system Not just a large, complex system The components systems are managed in large part for their own purposes rather than the purposes of the whole Constructed of Independent systems It exhibits behavior, including emergent behavior, not achievable by the component systems acting independently Value of the synergy Component systems, functions, and behaviors may be added or removed during its use Dynamic, open environment

GEOSS Challenges Interoperability – what is it and how do we address it Integration of Human factors – broader influence means more impacts Dynamic participation End to end integration – what does it mean?? Multiple ownership/prioritization SOSA understanding

Interoperability Objective What few things must be the same so that everything else can be different? - Eliot Christian As a "System of Systems", the success of GEOSS depends on how well the contributed systems achieve "Interoperability". Here, interoperability is that condition wherein differences among systems are not a barrier to a task that spans those systems. The focus is on how systems work together. GEOSS itself does not delve into how the contributed systems operate within themselves. The GEOSS Implementation Plan Reference Document makes this statement: "GEOSS does not mean an attempt to incorporate all Earth observing systems into a single, monolithic, centrally controlled system. It is intended to improve the data supply to users and not as a justification for annexing existing observation and data distribution systems into a new international organization." Put another way, the GEOSS architecture will specify just those "few things that must be the same so that everything else can be different".

Architecture and Interoperability Approach Build a flexible architecture and Integration framework on a set of reusable components Leverage existing external and internal standards, architectures, and models Capture future capabilities through open architecture Support wide range of business processes and environments Enable disconnected/connected modes for all implementations Integrate development through a service oriented architecture (SOA)

GEOSS Architecture – interoperability arrangements Technical Specifications for Collecting, Processing, Storing, and Disseminating Data and Products Based on Non-proprietary Standards Defining only how System Components Should Interface to be Contributed to GEOSS As a "System of Systems", the success of GEOSS depends on how well the contributed systems achieve "Interoperability". Here, interoperability is that condition wherein differences among systems are not a barrier to a task that spans those systems. The focus is on how systems work together. GEOSS itself does not delve into how the contributed systems operate within themselves. The GEOSS Implementation Plan Reference Document makes this statement: "GEOSS does not mean an attempt to incorporate all Earth observing systems into a single, monolithic, centrally controlled system. It is intended to improve the data supply to users and not as a justification for annexing existing observation and data distribution systems into a new international organization." Put another way, the GEOSS architecture will specify just those "few things that must be the same so that everything else can be different".

The Creation of GEOSS and the Group on Earth Observation

GEO Creation – February 2005 Earth Observation Summit III, Brussels, Belgium Established GEO 10 Year Implementation Plan Resolution Endorsing Plan Continued growth 2006 Tasks Implemented

Group on Earth Observations GEO is an Intergovernmental Organization of 65 Member Countries, the European Commission and 43 Participating Organizations The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is the organization formed to implement GEOSS 64 Member Countries, the EC, 43 Participating Organizations

Architecture Implementation Objectives - 2006-7 Create an interoperability structure Establish a web portal Develop a clearinghouse for data and information Provide for prototype operations As a "System of Systems", the success of GEOSS depends on how well the contributed systems achieve "Interoperability". Here, interoperability is that condition wherein differences among systems are not a barrier to a task that spans those systems. The focus is on how systems work together. GEOSS itself does not delve into how the contributed systems operate within themselves. The GEOSS Implementation Plan Reference Document makes this statement: "GEOSS does not mean an attempt to incorporate all Earth observing systems into a single, monolithic, centrally controlled system. It is intended to improve the data supply to users and not as a justification for annexing existing observation and data distribution systems into a new international organization." Put another way, the GEOSS architecture will specify just those "few things that must be the same so that everything else can be different". Ensuring Practical Application of GEOSS Data Sharing Principles to Societal Benefits

For more information: www.earthobservations.org Conclusion Tremendous Global Mobilization and Interest in GEO from all Disciplines and Communities First GEO Achievements as Early as End 2006 Process is Always Open to New Participants See slide text For more information: www.earthobservations.org

What we do in this generation will determine the destiny of our children’s children Courtesy of Rick Anthes

Acknowledgements Jose Achache, Dir, GEO Secretariat Marion Butterfield, Boeing The ADC Co-Chairs, GEO