CEOS Ocean Variable Enabling Research & Applications for GEO (COVERAGE): A Platform to Simplify and Expand the Accessibility and Usage of Inter-agency Satellite and in-situ Oceanographic Data

Given the growing variety and volume of oceanographic observations, there is a need for data systems and services supplementing existing agency repository infrastructures to enable simpler access and synergistic use of multidisciplinary ocean data. The availability of a set of core software capabilities and data that can be reused, augmented, and scaled efficiently to support a wide range of regional use cases is also a related need. The CEOS (Committee on Earth Observation Satellites) Ocean Variables Enabling Research and Applications for GEO (COVERAGE) initiative seeks to address these imperatives, providing improved access to multi-agency, multidisciplinary remote sensing and in-situ oceanographic data in support of open science and applications for societal benefit. Here we provide an overview of COVERAGE, an initiative and 3-year pilot project within CEOS involving interagency participation. Emphasis is placed on describing technology and architectural aspects, available data, web-based tools and services in support of associated ecosystem thematic demonstration applications. International collaborative aspects of the project are discussed, including COVERAGE involvement in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.