EARTH OBSERVATIONS ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING

The White House Office of Science and Technology, through the National Science and Technology Council, has established an interagency body—the U.S. Group on Earth Observations (USGEO)—to assess the wide range of Federal Earth observation activities, foster improved Earth system data management and interoperability, and engage international stakeholders through participation in the international Group on Earth Observations. On a triennial basis USGEO conducts a National Earth Observation Assessment (EOA) to provide an evaluation of the contribution of the broad spectrum of civil Earth observing systems to 13 distinct societal benefit areas, including disasters. The second EOA is underway and scheduled to be completed by mid-2016. The results of this second assessment can be used to inform priorities for the current and next administration regarding Earth observing platforms that enable us to predict, prevent, mitigate, and respond to disasters both domestically and abroad. An overview of the goals and process will be presented.