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United States Environmental Protection Agency
Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS)
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EPA Administrator Michael O. Leavitt (left) and NOAA Administrator Conrad Lautenbacher at the National Press Club briefing, August 17, 2004
EPA Administrator Michael O. Leavitt (left) and NOAA Administrator Conrad Lautenbacher at the National Press Club briefing, August 17, 2004

In July 2003, the United States hosted the Earth Observation Summit. Exit EPA Disclaimer The summit brought together 33 nations plus the European Commission to adopt a declaration that signified a political commitment toward the development of a comprehensive, coordinated and sustained Earth Observation System to collect and disseminate improved data, information, and models to stakeholders and decision makers. These nations agreed to partner with the U.S. to realize a common goal of establishing an international, comprehensive, coordinated and sustained Earth Observation System. Nine months later, in Tokyo Japan, a second Summit was held and more than 50 nations formally adopted a ten-year implementation plan for a Global Earth Observation System. This Global Earth Observation System of Systems or GEOSS will help all nations involved produce and manage their information in a way that benefits the environment as well as humanity.

GEOSS is envisioned as a large national and international cooperative effort to bring together existing and new hardware and software, making it all compatible in order to supply data and information at no cost. The U.S. and developed nations have a unique role in developing and maintaining the system, collecting data, enhancing data distribution, and providing models to help all of the world's nations. EPA has a strong commitment to the GEOSS initiative.

  • Basic Information
    An overview of Earth observation systems, and the origins of the GEOSS project.
  • Where You Live
    An interactive U.S. map, separated by states, which allows you to view a fact sheet on the benefits of GEOSS for your state.
  • EPA's Role
    With a great deal of experience in measuring, monitoring, and modeling, EPA is in a position to bring knowledge and leadership to the on-going GEOSS development process.
  • Global Earth Observation System of Systems Tools
    There are numerous observation datasets, earth-related models, and environmental decision support tools, and programs that EPA manages, oversees, supports, or uses. Identifying these tools as potential contributions to the system of systems is key to the development of the GEOSS project.
  • Meteorologist Resources
    EPA, along with our partners, is providing some story ideas for weather forecasters, some recent interviews with EPA leadership as well as background footage on the benefits and actual systems used for the GEOSS initiative.
  • Related Links
    Links to other Web sites on topics relevant to the GEOSS project.

 

 
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