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Applications and projects

Observing our planet from space reveals the global change and its effects, in arid- as well as in polar regions, in the marine and forestry ecosystems. The impact of mankind has caused dramatic modifications, that reach the order of the natural change processes. Control of anthropogenic influence on the system Earth is a global challenge, also for satellite-based earth observation.

Applications and Projects: Atmosphere

According to the current plans of space agencies and satellite operators, in the course of the next two decades over 100 satellite-based instruments will be providing a wealth of data about the earth’s atmosphere from ground level up to the border to outer space. The spectrum extends from detecting trace gases and aerosols to clouds, precipitation and radiation to global measurement of temperature and wind. In parallel, powerful data communication and analysis systems will be established in order to make these data available in a standardized format and ready to use worldwide in near-real-time.

Applications and Projects: Environment and Civil Security

Establishing linked services for global environmental monitoring, developing early warning systems and disaster management gains increasing importance against a background of climate change. EOC participates in numerous relevant EU and ESA projects, cooperates with national and international organizations such as the UN Spider office and Germany’s disaster aid organization THW, and operates the Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information ZKI.

Applications and Projects: Water Bodies

During the last few years in the field of the Marine Remote Sensing there have been developed prototype processors which routinely make available various data products based on satellite data for monitoring the marine environment and ship traffic. This work builds on the research on inversion methodologies and evaluation algorithms. The prototypes are readied for operational use in cooperation with the German Remote Sensing Data Center DFD, specifically its national ground station in Neustrelitz, and various outside partners which also include small and medium size companies. The information products and services made available are tailored to user requirements.

Applications and Projects: Land Surface

The surface of our planet undergoes constant change. From exogenic and endogenic geological processes to global climate fluctuations to regional and local human interventions, processes are continually occurring on the surface of the earth which lead to significant changes in the character and usefulness of particular land segments. Examples are erosion, bushfires, desertification, large-scale ground clearance and urban sprawl. These changes can be identified and analyzed with the help of remote sensing methodologies. The results are used to develop information products, automated data processing chains, and resource management systems.

Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES)

GMES is a joint initiative of the European Union (EU) and the European Space Agency (ESA). It exists to establish and make available routine geoinformation services for environmental monitoring and civil security based on existing and forthcoming earth observation technologies. These services are tailored to meet the needs of users and are primarily concerned with the topics environment, climate protection, sustainable development, humanitarian aid and security. The Earth Observation Center EOC is participating in the definition, establishment and operation of all GMES components by contributing its expertise and systems related to integrated ground segments, information technology, and geoinformation applications at national and European levels.