The European Environment Agency (EEA) has awarded a consortium led by e-GEOS the provision of scientific and technical support in the management of the cross-cutting elements of the In-Situ Component of the European Union’s Copernicus Program. The 48-month contract marks the third consecutive confirmation of the Service, further strengthening the expertise gained since 2016 and of which GAF AG is part since the beginning.
The new framework contract enlarges the landscape as it includes both the Observation and Geospatial theme. Alongside e-GEOS, the consortium includes EUMETNET, Evenflow, GAF AG, ITHACA, EuroGOOS, and Euro Argo ERIC as partners. The new round of activities officially began with a kick-off meeting held at the European Environment Agency headquarters in Copenhagen.
The In-Situ Component, which covers cross-cutting in-situ activities across all Copernicus Services and the Space Component, ensures the availability and accessibility of a wide range of non-satellite data. The collected data are essential for the production, optimization, and validation of Copernicus products. The provision of in-situ data relies on various sources, from EU member states and beyond, as well as research infrastructures, mapping and cadastral agencies and key data provider networks.
By reaffirming the consortium in the provision of technical and scientific advice in the Copernicus In-Situ Component, the team, including GAF AG in its main role as CLMS (Copernicus Land Monitoring Service) expert, continues to support the activities of the European Environment Agency. Over the past two four-year terms, the team has conducted extensive research and developed actionable proposals to improve access, integration, and utilization of in-situ data. The primary focus remains on strengthening collaboration with national and international data providers and enhancing awareness of the technical, organizational and resource-related requirements essential for effective data sharing.
