The Earth Observation Handbook 2008 Edition

The CEOS Earth Observation Handbook presents the main capabilities of satellite Earth observations, their applications and a systematic overview of present and planned CEOS agency Earth observation satellite missions and their instruments.

The 2008 edition of the EO Handbook explores society's increasing need for information on our planet, and explains the role that EO plays in addressing these needs.

This edition has a particular focus on climate change, on the information we need to detect, monitor and adapt to it, and on the role for satellite Earth observations.

The ongoing role of the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) is explored, along with how it complements the Global Ocean (GOOS) and Terrestrial (GTOS) Observing Systems. Together, they form a set of Global Observing Systems that integrate remotely sensed and in situ data.