G-reqs: How a user requirements system in GEO can improve the in-situ data availability?

The in-situ Earth Observation data segment is fragmented and there are significant data gaps to complete an observing system offering global datasets including series with relevant temporal depth. To identify the most urgent user needs, the InCASE project has designed a geospatial in-situ requirements database model, called G‑Reqs, aimed to collect and manage requirements emerging from the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and the Copernicus community. The expected benefits include enabling a better reuse of in-situ data, enabling geographical upscale, identifying priorities in the needs and identifying communities with a common interest to look for synergies. Starting from the Essential Variables framework, the model offers a user-centric approach based on the expression of data needs and its translation into parametrized requirements for in-situ data. A first implementation was done in a web form and was tested by the EuroGEO community represented by volunteering pilots of the EU H2020 e-shape project, and it is open to research projects, decision-makers looking for policy indicators, remote sensing agencies in need of cal/val data, services produced by commercial companies, Earth system predictive algorithms and Machine Learning modellers, etc., interested in environmental in-situ data. The usefulness of the G-reqs model will lie in its capability to collect, share and analyse requirements, detect essential datasets, gaps, and help to make recommendations to data providers via a consensus process thus promoting the discovery of fit-for-purpose in-situ datasets. The consensus process can result in agreement on recommendations to data providers for producing products that cover emerging needs of the Earth Observation users’ community in terms of spatial, temporal coverage or quality target. In this context, the entire Earth Observation community of users is invited to use the G-reqs as a mechanism to document its in-situ data needs (https://g-reqs.grumets.cat). For example the in-situ networks of observation facilities (ENVRI, e.g. ELTER, GEOBON, among others) can then participate in the analysis, gap detection and recommendations for the creation of new products or modifications of the existing ones to better serve their users. With the G‑reqs as a tool, the In-Situ Data Working Group in GEO can act as a forum where the in-situ data barriers and gaps are discussed and addressed. This communication will present the requirements data model and the current status of the requirements collection as well as next steps to complete the G‑reqs capabilities. This work is inspired by the OSAAP (formerly NOSA) from NOAA, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) OSCAR requirements database and the Copernicus In-Situ Component Information System (CIS²). The InCASE project is funded by the European Environment Agency (EEA) in the context of the EEA SLA on “Mainstreaming GEOSS Data Sharing and Management Principles in support of Europe’s Environment" in line with the European Strategy for Data, the Green Deal Data Space, and Destination Earth.