NCAVEO

It is proposed to establish a network of Earth Observation experts and data users to exchange knowledge and understanding in the area of remote sensing data calibration and validation (cal/val). The aim is to provide a co-ordinated resource for users from industry and academia and also to facilitate access to benchmark methods and algorithms as well as identifying areas where additional research and improved methods are required. The emphasis of the network will be on the validation and traceability of EO products rather than on the largely technical aspects of sensor calibration. The network will promote the paradigm of remote sensing as a quantitative physical science, based upon traceable physical measurements and repeatable methodologies. The aim of the network will be to support this view, to facilitate its extension to application areas currently dominated by qualitative approaches, and to educate and inform end-users of remote sensing products about the importance of cal/val and its relevance to their scientific applications. The proposal originated in discussions between Professor Ted Milton (University of Southampton), Dr Nigel Fox (UK National Physical Laboratory) and Dr Steve Mackin (University of Surrey). These have assembled a core group of 15 organisations to form the initial NCAVEO network. The subject is large and complex, so it is proposed that the initial focus of the network will be on land applications using data collected in optical wavelengths (0.4 - 2.4 micrometres). Importantly, the proposers recognise the considerable progress that has been made in other areas of the discipline in respect of cal/val, and that is why the initial network also comprises representatives from the ocean, atmospheric and microwave communities.