1. MAIN ACTIVITY AREAS
Global system of terrestrial observation networks: Gt-Net (ecology, glaciers, hydrology, permafrost)
Regional activities: Central and Eastern Europe, Southern Africa
Demonstration projects: Net primary productivity, Terrestrial carbon, Global forest cover.
Data and information

2. WHAT?
Web database: ca. 700 terrestrial sites (TSite) registered in 100 countries.
Related to the 5 GTOS priority areas: land quality, freshwater resources, biodiversity, climate change, pollution and toxicity.
Measuring any of 120 environmental variables.

3. TSITE CRITERIA
Actively collect and archive terrestrial ecosystem data as part of an ongoing science programme.
Tangible interest in international collaboration.
Reasonable history of terrestrial observations and/or security of long-term tenure and funding.

4. DATABASE CHARACTERISTICS
Registration
Web template Surface mail
Searchable
TSite name Country Region Network Variable Eco-region
Modular
Coastal areas Mountains Drylands

5. DATA AVAILABLE Names and addresses of key personnel.
Descriptive information (e.g. altitude, geology, climatic conditions, etc).
Network affiliations (e.g. Roselt, Acsad, ILTER).
120 environmental variables and methodology sheets.
65 socio-economic variables and methodology sheets with links to global data sets.
Under consideration: modules, mapping, library of methods, napster-style database registration.

6. USE OF TEMS Modelling, assessment, and research programmes.
Assessing gaps in geographic coverage of key variables.
Linking ground observations with satellites.
Evaluating data quality and measurement methods.
Identifying sites that need upgrading.

7. WHERE?
Approximately 1,000 TSites in 100 countries