ODYSSEA is developing, operating and demonstrating an interoperable and cost-effective platform that fully integrates data from networks of observing and forecasting systems across the Mediterranean basin, addressing both the open sea and the coastal zone.
The ODYSSEA project applies a user-centered approach, with the aim to generate marine data services that meet the needs of a wide range of end-users.
ODYSSEA’s potential end-users include representatives from public, policy, industry, education, environmental conservation and science/research. The project is directly involving the end-users in the platform design, data collection and day-to-day operations of the model Observatories. Identifying end-users and their specific needs and requirements is a crucial step which guides and directs the development of the ODYSSEA Platform and information services to be provided. A proposed a set of products for each identified use case as well as an analysis of the potential business case for each use case is part of the project’s impact generation and is driving platform development.
To achieve ODYSSEA’s prime objective of developing, operating and demonstrating an interoperable and cost-effective platform the platform architecture has been designed to:
• Collect data from external databases maintained in EU and non-EU Mediterranean countries
• Integrate existing Earth Observation facilities and networks in the Mediterranean Sea
• Support the operation and execution of different simulation models
• Support the integration of real time data being acquired by local sensors
• Provide data discovery and downloading services
• Provide user focused downstream services
In order to demonstrate the methodology to provide in-situ data, the ODYSSEA consortium has set up, nine (9) local/regional model Observatories around the Mediterranean Sea. Each Observatory is responsible for the transfer of locally collected data to the main ODYSSEA platform. Training activities to enable Observatory operators and platform end-users to make best possible use of the platform and data services/products have begun and will continue during the next years, with a focus on building capacity in North African Mediterranean countries. Business cases and business plans are being developed to ensure the long-term sustainability and operation both of the Observatories and the platform after the project ends in November 2021. Dissemination events are encouraging potential users to engage with the project thereby increasing impact and sustainability of the Platform.
