2. Multidisciplinary interoperability To build Operating Capacity Initial (IOC): extend current GEO IP3/AIP-2 interoperability systems in Forest, Biodiversity, Drought Advanced (AOC), research to provide: a) Workflow for geo-processing/analysis b)Integrated modeling for multiscale and multisource processes c)Ability to express objectives or questions in natural language d)Web 2.0 concepts and services for knowledge representation

3. 1 – Enable thematic interoperability & connections local to local Three Interoperability phases ForestryBiodiversityDrought 2 – Enable multi- disciplinary interoperability ForestryBiodiversityDrought 3 – Extend interoperability to others SBAs & systems ForestryBiodiversityDrought... GlobalSoilMap AEGOS

4. From Initial to Advanced Operating capacity IP3/AIP2GIGAS Initial Operating Capacity requirements SEIS GEOSS GMES Advanced Operating Capacity extensions Web 2.0 Multiscale Multisource Workflow Modeling Natural Language Input Advanced workflow modelling for distributed geoprocessing Integrated modelling of multiscale and multisource Natural langage discovery and query interface Web 2.0 ans alternative search mechanisms

5. Forestry Operating Capacity Development of capabilities of forest information systems: Local: datasets from Spain, Portugal about 40 services Regional: EU Forest Data Center, Obs. of Central African Forests: about 50 datasets and up to 10 services Global: Satellite imagery and Forest cover maps for TREES sample sites, FAO datasets, GEOSS initiative on Wildland Fire Warning System etc. “To extend the capabilities of local, regional and global forest datasets and services into a global distributed database of forestry information, coupled with model servers that can provide vital forestry analysis tools to the GEOSS community of science.” Forestry Datasets, services, tools

6. Biodiversity Operating Capacity The Digital Observatory for Protected Areas will provide methods and tools to assess and forecast terrestrial biodiversity and habitats of areas of ecological interest as well as the threats to these areas. “To extend the capabilities of an existing operational biodiversity information system in Africa to a global distributed database of biodiversity information, serving data from a wide array of providers around the world, coupled with model servers that can provide vital analysis tools to the GEOSS community of science.” Observatory for Protected Areas Information on Protected areas Environmental observations Information On species Species distribution Biodiversity Assessments Ecological Forecasting

7. Drought operating capacity Fast access through web portal Seamless up and downscaling Comparison and analysis New perspectives for R&D “To develop a European Drought Observatory within the framework of INSPIRE specifications and GEOSS interoperability arrangements, fully integrated with local and national systems in Europe and international drought early warning systems as a European contribution to a Global Drought Early Warning System.”

8. Cost-Benefit Analysis To assess societal benefits of INSPIRE and GEOSS for the 3 thematic areas of Forestry, Drought and Biodiversity as well as the other GEOSS societal benefit areas To undertake an overall aggregated benefit assessment To develop prescriptive guidance for “value of Information” analysts in the geospatial field and contribute also to current efforts in assessing the impact of public sector information Benefit chain concept Benefits as well as costs are considered Incremental costs and benefits with respect to interoperable systems are evaluated

9. Outreach and Dissemination Support development and outreach for international collaboration and a global information base Raise awareness of solutions and best practices Operating Capability Web 2.0 Input IP3 AIP2 GIGAS SEIS GEOSS GMES Drought Biodiv. Forestry

10. Contributions to GEOSS Overarching taskSub_task AR-09-01: GEOSS Common Infrastructure (GCI) a: Enabling Deployment of a GEOSS Architecture (Lead) b: GEOSS Architecture Implementation Pilot AR-09-02: Interoperable Systems for GEOSS d: Model Web Development DA-09-01: Data Managementb: Data, Metadata and Products Harmonisation DA-09-02: Data Integration and Analysis a: Data Integration and Analysis Systems ST-09-01: Catalyzing R&D Funding for GEOSS

11. Contributions to GEOSS Overarching taskSub_task US-09-02: Socio-Economic Indicatorsa: Socio-Economic Benefits of GEO and GEOSS (lead) US-09-03: Cross-Cutting Products and Services b: Forest Mapping and Change Monitoring WA-06-02: Droughts, Floods and Water Resource Management b: Impacts from Drought d: Prototype Regional Drought Early Warning EC-09-01: Ecosystem Observation and Monitoring Network (GEO EcoNet) a: Ecosystem Classification and Mapping d: Protected Areas Assessment and Monitoring BI-07-01: Developing a Biodiversity Observation Network a: Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON)