GEOSS Platform Plus

Project Information

GPP

Grant agreement ID: 101039118

DOI

10.3030/101039118

Project closed

EC signature date 29 November 2021

Start date 1 January 2022

End date 31 December 2024

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials

Total cost

€ 2 500 000,00

EU contribution

€ 2 500 000,00

Coordinated by

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY
France

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - GPP (GEOSS Platform Plus)

Reporting period: 2023-07-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Climate change is a serious environmental issue that affects ecosystems, economies, and human health. Earth Observation (EO) can help monitor and address climate change by collecting data and information about the Earth's environment and society from different sources and perspectives. GEO, the Group on Earth Observations, is implementing a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) as a concrete response to this. Its Platform enables users to access all EO data, information and services providing relevant instruments to the different communities dealing with such issues. GEOSS Platform Plus (GPP), an EC co-funded ESA led project, supports the evolution of the European components of the Platform aimed at providing users with tailor-made information and actionable knowledge.
GPP, kicked-off on 1/1/2022 with a duration of 3 years, has as partners the European GEOSS Platform providers, i.e. ESA, the Italian National Research Council and the University of Geneva, responsible for the GEOSS Portal, the Discovery and Access Broker and the Yellow Pages respectively. Moreover, Eversis is involved as the developer of the GEOSS Portal, and the consortia of AGAME and MAPS4GPP have been selected through a dedicated Invitation to Tender issued by ESA, as application providers.
GPP has worked closely with other GEO members. By establishing synergies with relevant initiatives in the European landscape, GPP has concurred to reinforce the European participation in GEOSS.
Adopting a user-centric approach, GPP has pursued full exploitation of the GEOSS infrastructure and components to the benefit of EO users, enabling them to connect with data providers (including in-situ), which are relevant for the achievement of their use cases and requirements. GPP objectives are reflected in Figure 1. In summary, it aimed at evolving the EO data value chain from handling data towards knowledge generation.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

GPP has delivered significant advancements. The new projects MAPS4GPP and AGAME have addressed key challenges in agriculture and ecosystem monitoring. MAPS4GPP has developed tools for user-friendly access to harmonized agronomy in-situ datasets and satellite-based crop maps integrated into the GEOSS Portal. These tools empower non-expert users to engage with EO data, improving algorithms, testing models, and monitoring crop production. Resources such as WorldCereal and AGROSTAC expand MAPS4GPP’s datasets, providing critical support for food security initiatives. Engagement with the GEOGLAM community, policymakers, and NGOs ensures that these tools address real-world needs and enhance agricultural resilience.
AGAME has focused on ecosystem health monitoring by providing high-resolution gross primary production datasets and in-situ carbon-flux data. These tools, developed within the eLTER framework, offer long-term environmental monitoring capabilities. Integration into the eLTER Research Infrastructure ensures sustainability and continued relevance. Stakeholders, including eLTER site managers, policymakers, and the European Environmental Agency, contributed to co-designing and validating AGAME’s tools, which are already being utilized for ecosystem assessments.
UNIGE has advanced tools addressing land degradation and accessibility to urban green spaces (SDG 15.3.1 and SDG 11.7 respectively), while also evolving the YellowPages (YP2.0).
CNR has made significant contributions to data accessibility and interoperability through advancements in GEO DAB and VLab technologies. These tools have been applied to several contexts, including water resource management, nutrient pollution monitoring, and above ground biomass assessments. Collaborations with initiatives like the Common European Green Deal Data Space and WMO Hydrological Observing System expand their usability, ensuring that stakeholders across Europe benefit from these innovations.
EVERSIS has enhanced the GEOSS platform’s user experience by developing an AI-powered search tool, a redesigned landing page, and a Community Portal Self-Creation Tool. These features simplify access to EO data, promoting wider adoption among non-technical users. Dissemination activities, including conferences and targeted outreach campaigns, have increased awareness and engagement with GPP tools.
ESA, as the coordinating organization, has ensured the alignment of project activities with GEO’s broader vision. ESA has also promoted cross-fertilization of innovations developed under GPP within its own programs and GEO initiatives, ensuring the tools and methodologies benefit a wide range of stakeholders.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

GPP’s innovations have the potential to transform the use of EO data across multiple domains, enhancing collaboration, decision-making, and sustainability. MAPS4GPP's achievements will help streamline agricultural monitoring by providing harmonized datasets and crop maps, saving researchers time and enabling them to focus on algorithm development and decision-making. These tools reduce barriers for non-expert users, broadening societal benefits and advancing innovation in food security.
AGAME’s contributions to ecosystem monitoring will support site managers, policymakers, and environmental agencies in making timely, data-driven decisions. The high-resolution datasets and long-term integration into the eLTER Research Infrastructure ensure these tools remain valuable for scientific and policy applications.
UNIGE’s urban sustainability tools have the potential to provide critical support for monitoring environmental changes and improving urban resilience. By enabling cities to assess and enhance green space accessibility, these tools will inform better urban planning and improve the quality of life for urban populations globally.
CNR’s advancements in GEO DAB and VLab technologies will enhance data and model exploitation for various stakeholders, from water resource managers to policymakers. By aligning these tools with broader European environmental initiatives, CNR’s contributions will facilitate transparency, collaboration, and actionable insights to address climate challenges.
EVERSIS’s enhancements to the GEOSS platform will ensure that EO data is accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences. The AI-powered search tool and intuitive user interface will drive higher adoption rates, helping GEOSS to become a relevant resource for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers.
ESA expects the GPP project to influence the long-term strategy of GEO by providing a model for integrating innovative tools and functionalities. ESA has ensured that GPP’s outcomes are aligned with GEO’s mission of advancing EO applications for global challenges, creating opportunities for existing and new stakeholders to engage with EO data effectively. This will ultimately contribute to addressing pressing environmental and societal challenges through evidence-based solutions.

The GPP Concept and Objectives