The information presented in the CEOS Handbook is a much condensed summary of the information provided in the CEOS/WMO Database. This database contains extensive information on the capabilities of both satellite and in situ observing system capabilities, and relates them in some detail to the requirements of key user programmes. The database is maintained by ESA (core mission and instrument data) and WMO (detailed performance data and requirements information).
The database was established to support planning of future observing systems, with the primary aim of improving the extent to which space system capabilities meet user requirements for observations. Although many possible uses have been identified for the database, its structure and level of detail are designed primarily to assist in the assessment of conformance between users’ requirements for observations and the potential capability of the space segments of satellite systems. To this end, the following information is included in the database:
— from the user communities, a summary of their observational requirements, as available to CEOS through its partnerships with many user communities;
— from the in situ observing system operators and space agencies, a summary of the potential performances of their instruments, expressed in the same terms as the user requirements;
— instrument and mission descriptions sufficiently detailed to support the evaluation of their performances; programmatic information to permit assessment of service continuity aspects.
CEOS plans to develop the database capability in future to allow online access to its search capabilities, including the generation of tables and timelines of interest to various user communities. As these capabilities develop, they will be accessible via the online edition of the CEOS Handbook at:
www.eohandbook.com
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