Ceos Analysis Ready Data For Land: Implementation Phase And Next Steps

Over the past several years Analysis Ready Data has been a major focus for the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS). The CEOS Analysis Ready Data concept within the context of Land started in 2015 and has been led by the CEOS Land Surface Imaging Virtual Constellation (LSI-VC) community LSI-VC has developed the definition that CEOS uses for ARD for Land and the overall framework [1]. The CEOS ARD definition identifies that the major benefit of ARD lies in enabling a broad community of non-remote sensing experts to better use CEOS data; and in increasing the interoperability of products through space and time as a foundation for 'Big Data' analyses, future data architectures and the application of AI (artificial intelligence and machine learning) methods. LSI-VC also took the responsibility to coordinate the development of the Product Family Specifications (PFS). An important step in the CARD specification approach is that it is not prescriptive with regard to the data processing approach. This recognises that there are generally multiple approaches and that these will evolve through time. Four PFS have been endorsed by the CEOS LSI-VC community during 2019/2020. These endorsements represent the conclusion of over two years of work since the agreement of the CEOS ARD definition & framework at CEOS Plenary in 2016. The endorsed specifications contain inputs from experts around the world and it demonstrates the resolution of various points of view. It also shows the emerging acceptance of the concept of Analysis Ready Data and the value proposition of the CEOS ARD.As the increase of available EO data and processing platforms offer an unprecedented choice for the users, the need for harmonized data is growing [2]. Thus, over the past few years, there has been an increased interest from the private sector in the CEOS ARD initiative as well, and the expectation is that the availability of CEOS ARD datasets from both institutional and private data providers will increase in the coming years.To address the CEOS ARD long-term view and to ensure a consensus between players is achieved, the CEOS ARD strategy was developed in 2019. The strategy recognises that the private industry has different roles to play within the CEOS ARD initiative such as data users, data providers, data hosts or as providers of processing chains to produce data that meet CEOS ARD specifications. The strategy is also focused on the need, prioritization and continuity of CEOS ARD PFS development including the development of ARD specifications for other thematic areas such as ocean and atmosphere.This paper intends to give an update on the current CEOS ARD for Land accomplishments, and what activities are envisaged for the near future.