With the start of the SENTINEL era, an unprecedented amount of Earth Observation (EO) data will become available. Currently there is no consistent but extendible and adaptable framework to integrate observations from different sensors in order to obtain the best possible estimate of the land surface state. MULTIPY proposes a solution to this challenge. The project will develop an efficient and fully traceable platform that uses state-of-the-art physical radiative transfer models, within advanced data assimilation (DA) concepts, to consistently acquire, interpret and produce a continuous stream of high spatial and temporal resolution estimates of land surface parameters, fully characterized. These inferences on the state of the land surface will be the result from the coherent joint interpretation of the observations from the different Sentinels, as well as other 3rd party missions (e.g. ProbaV, Landsat, MODIS). The framework allows users to exchange components as plug-ins according to their needs. The proposal is based on the EO-LDAS concepts developed within several ESA-funded projects, which have shown the feasibility of producing estimates of the land surface parameters by combining different sets of observations through the use of radiative transfer models. We will provide a fully generic flexible data retrieval platform for Copernicus services that provides integrated and consistent data products in an easily accessible virtual machine with advanced visualisation tools. Users will be engaged throughout the process and trained. Moreover, user demonstrator projects include applications to crop monitoring & modelling, forestry, biodiversity and nature management. Another user demonstrator project involves providing satellite operators with an opportunity to cross-calibrate their data to the science-grade Sentinel standards.

FIDUCEO will create new climate datasets from Earth Observations with rigorous treatment of uncertainty informed by the discipline of metrology. This responds to the need for enhanced credibility for climate data, to support rigorous science, decision-making and climate services. Our approach is (1) to develop methodologies for generating Fundamental Climate Data Records (FCDRs) and [Thematic] Climate Data Records (CDRs) that are widely applicable and metrologically rigorous and (2) to build new FCDRs and CDRs, making them easily accessible, with complete and traceable estimates of stability and uncertainty. New tools for metrologically rigorous analysis will be created, including tools for stability analysis and ensemble creation. The chosen FCDRs have a length relevant to climate (>20 years) and can support numerous CDRs. Selected CDRs will be generated that illustrate new capabilities (e.g. equi-probable ensembles) as well as the benefits from use of the new FCDRs, such as improved stability and traceable uncertainties. Specifically, we will create: harmonised radiances (FCDRs) for the following sensors: AVHRR, HIRS, AMSU-B/MHS and MVIRI; and geophysical datasets, with uncertainties, for: ensemble sea and lake surface temperature, tropospheric humidity, aerosol optical depth and surface albedo. All data, software tools and methods will be freely and openly accessible and will be disseminated in a variety of forms including e-learning modules. All data will be available in both a common “easy” format (for general users) and community-standard formats. FIDUCEO will liaise explicitly with relevant programmes (Copernicus Climate Change Service, NOAA Climate Data Records programme, SCOPE-CM, re-analysis initiatives etc), and hold with two workshops for dialogue with the user community. By both creating valuable datasets and defining and applying rigorous new metrological methods, FIDUCEO aims for a broad and lasting impact in the field of climate data from space.

HARMONIA will leverage existing tools, services and novel technologies to deliver an integrated resilience assessment platform working on top of GEOSS, seeing the current lack of a dedicated process of understanding and quantifying Climate Change (CC) effects on urban areas using Satellite and auxiliary data available on GEOSS, DIAS, urban TEP, GEP etc. platforms. HARMONIA will focus on a solution for climate applications supporting adaptation and mitigation measures of the Paris Agreement. HARMONIA will test modern Remote Sensing tools and 3D-4D monitoring, Machine Learning/Deep Learning techniques and develop a modular scalable data-driven multi-layer urban areas observation information knowledge base, using Satellite data time series, spatial information and auxiliary data, in-situ observing systems, which will integrate detailed information on local level of neighborhoods/building blocks. HARMONIA focuses on two pillars: a) Natural and manmade hazards intensified by CC: urban flooding, soil degradation and geo-hazards (landslides, earthquake, ground deformation) and b) Manmade hazards: heat islands, urban heat fluxes, Air Quality, Gas emissions. Sustainable reconstruction of urban areas and the health of humans and ecosystems, are top priorities. HARMONIA will take into account the local ecosystems of European urban areas, following an integrated and sustainable approach by incorporating the active communities’ participation initiative, which will involve the use of a social platform. Paying extra attention to Sustainable Urban Development, one of the Societal Benefit Areas posits that use of EO is a crucial tool towards resilient cities and the assessment of urban footprints, to promote equity, welfare and shared prosperity for all, feed new indicators for the monitoring of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals in an EU context.