The IEEE Committee on Earth Observation Dr. Jay Pearlman, Chair Dr. Tom Wiener, Chair elect November 15, 2007

IEEE Core Ideology Core Purpose –To foster technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity Envisioned Future –Be essential to the global technical community and to technical professionals everywhere and be universally recognized for the contributions of technology and of technical professionals in improving global conditions

Grand Challenge: The Environment and Earth Observation GEOSS -- A Global, Coordinated, Comprehensive Sustained System of Earth Observing Systems

What is the IEEE Committee on Earth Observation? (ICEO) The ICEO is a TAB Standing Technical Committee with multiple IEEE with participation of IEEE-SA, TAB, EAB, RAB that supports the international efforts to create a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) for applying Earth observation data and information for societal benefits. The system of systems (SoS) requires the broad range of skills embodied in the IEEE membership from SoS engineering and communication to standards and information applications. The IEEEs critical role in providing technical expertise for GEOSS has been welcomed by the international community, and the recent IEEE activities in the creation of user activities, architecture development, workshops, outreach are gaining the Institute substantial international recognition.

ICEO Strategic Goals I. Expand Global Impacts of IEEE for Societal Benefits II. Create Member Challenges and Opportunities III. Formulate a Strategy Blueprint through a documented process with demonstrated success to move beyond Earth Observation

What are GEO and GEOSS? GEOSS is a distributed data and information system of systems built on current international cooperation efforts focused on providing societal benefits in nine areas. Our IEEE members have the technical skills, the science and engineering base, to make a difference in GEOSS – computers, communications, signal processing systems/engineering, remote sensing, oceans, power, social implications, information, standards, and education. GEO comprises 71 countries, 44 participating organizations focused on a system that is Comprehensive, Coordinated and Sustained

IEEE CEO Vignettes Publication of IEEE JSTARS (with GRSS) plus special issues in existing journals A web-based publication (Earthzine.org), with technical articles, editorials, and paid advertisement A concerted effort to supply relevant public relations materials for existing IEEE news and outreach publications Specialty workshops addressing key GEO themes – Collaborate with other International organizations (UN, ISPRS, OGC, …) Technical advocacy through various GEO committees and work with IEEE leadership to address branding of our efforts to maximize the public awareness of IEEE participation in GEO Facilitation of GEOSS standards Maximize GEO opportunities for IEEE members – outreach, education, technical (architecture, data, communications, …) Attract broader IEEE international membership through relevant regional involvement

Outreach to the Public

Eye On Earth Challenge: How would you teach a teenager about the importance of Earth Systems Information and Global Earth Observation Systems of Systems? Would you have them read a newspaper? Watch the news? Attend class? How about having them WANT to learn about Earth observation and systems from playing a computer game? Objective: A game/simulation that will capture the attention of multiple audiences and create a greater understanding of the availability and benefits of using Earth systems information to help mitigate and/or solve world problems in 9 societal areas

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

Thank you