Paper Session III-B - Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS): Remote Sensing Education and Developing Countries

The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) is an international organization which coordinates space-based Earth observations world wide. Created in 1984, CEOS now comprises 38 national space agencies, regional organizations and international space-related and research groups. The aim of CEOS is to achieve international coordination in the planning of satellite missions for Earth observation and to maximize the utilization of data from these missions world-wide. A major effort now underway in CEOS in conjunction with researchers and other users is a coordinated attempt to better integrate requirements of the user community with the planning of the data providers. The ultimate goal is to minimize the gaps and avoid unnecessary overlaps with an integrated global observing strategy. In addition, as the private sector develops, CEOS wants to consider how best to address areas of potential common interest between the governmental and non-governmental sectors in Earth observation from space. With regard to developing countries, the fundamental aim of CEOS is to encourage the creation and maintenance of indigenous capability that is integrated into the local decisionmaking process, thereby enabling developing countries to obtain the maximum benefit from Earth observation. Obtaining adequate access to remote sensing information is difficult for developing countries and students and teachers alike. High unit data prices, the specialized nature of the technology, difficulty in locating specific data, complexities of copyright provisions, emphasis on “leading edge” technology and research, and the lack of training materials relating to readily understood application are frequently noted obstacles. CEOS has developed an education CD-ROM which is aimed at increasing the integration of space-based data into school curricula; meeting the heretofore unsatisfied needs of developing countries for information about Earth observation application, data sources and future plans; and raising awareness around the world of the value of Earth observation data from space. The CD-ROM is designed to be used with an Internet web browser, increasing the information available to the use, and it can also be used on a stand-alone machine. It contains suggested lesson plans and additional resources for educators and users in developing countries