The Alliance for Earth Observations

1
The Alliance for Earth Observations A
presentation to the Interagency Working Group
on Earth Observations Nancy Colleton President
Institute for Global Environmental Strategies 1
April 2004
2
Contents

• Background
• Objectives
• Progress
• Results
• Future Plans
• Conclusions

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BACKGROUND
Catalyst EO Summit led to a high level of
interest in having industry input into the
national and international GEOSS planning
processes Mission To promote the
understanding and use of Earth observations for
social and economic benefit Implementation An
initiative of IGES Initial Support Ball
Aerospace, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop
Grumman, and Raytheon
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OBJECTIVES

• Serve as a communication link between the private
  sector, NGOs, Academia, and the Government
• Encourage participation in the development of a
  national strategy for Earth observations
• Monitor and provide input to national and
  intergovernmental deliberations
• Reach out and educate non-traditional business
  sectors
• Create a sense of partnership in the EO community

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PROGRESS

• Earth Observations A New Perspective for
  Industry,held 28 January 2004, Houston, Texas
• 33 participants
• Keynote addresses provided by VADM Lautenbacher,
  Dr. Charlie Kennel, and Dr. Mary Altalo
• Results transmitted to the IWGEO chairs on 12
  February 2004.
• Website established. www.strategies.org/Alliance

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RESULTS

• Economically significant benefits could be
  realized by the private sector
• Private sector interests must be considered
• Industry must be ready to fully participate in
  the development and utilization of EO information
• US commercial observations integration must be
  addressed
• Demonstration projects should be supported
• Interests of multinational corporations should be
  considered

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RESULTS (Cont)

• Industry can provide input into new system
  development, data integration, and other areas
• Planning should include short-term projects built
  on existing capabilities
• Government, industry, non-profits, and academia
  need to define a shared vision of the system and
  begin to define roles and responsibilities
• Long-term continuity of the system must be
  addressed to ensure sustainability

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RESULTS (Cont)

• The US should look outside the country to
  minimize duplication, while working to ensure
  open access to data and to markets for technology
  worldwide
• The release of the National Oceans Commission
  report provides an opportunity to express support
  for Earth observations
• Private sector support will depend on the ability
  of companies and industry groups to make the
  business case for investment in Earth observations

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FUTURE PLANS

• Continuing to network with associations and other
  groups
• Developing website content
• Meeting with Hill staff to determine level of
  knowledge and interest
• Identifying opportunities to promote EO
• Identifying spokespersons
• Proposing a late summer/early fall event
• Continuing to work with our partners to provide
  input to the US planning process

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FUTURE PLANS

• Architecture Workshop (May 20, 2004)
• Priorities Workshop (TBD, June 2004)
• Earth Observations Roundtable (September 15,
  2004)
• Earth Observations Forum (September 16-17, 2004)

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CONCLUSIONS
Great interest exists to participate in the GEOSS
planning. The Alliance for Earth Observations is
uniquely positioned to engage industry,
university, and non-governmental organizations in
promoting and using Earth observations. The
Alliance intends to provide useful input to IWGEO.