(Enhancing Interoperability of data and services between different Earth Observation stakeholders)
https://github.com/ceos-org/interoperability-handbook
CEOS agencies communicate, collaborate, and exchange information on Earth Observation (EO) data needs, missions, instruments, and measurements, spurring partnerships that lead to collaboration, including the launch of multi-agency missions. Such cooperative efforts have greatly benefited data users worldwide with well-curated scientific data that serves to inform decision-making and increased understanding of the Earth as an integrated system.
Interoperability of data and services in the space-based EO domain is essential due to the importance of EO data in a wide range of applications, including agriculture, climate monitoring, disaster management, and urban planning, as well as the increasing cooperation between public and commercial space actors worldwide. To streamline such collaborative efforts, CEOS developed and published the CEOS Interoperability Handbook 1.1 in 2008. Fifteen years later, the increase in the number of EO satellites and ever-growing volumes of data compelled CEOS to review the interoperability of data and services in the current context and to develop the CEOS Interoperability Handbook 2.0. In order to support the development of this handbook, a framework was developed and used as a guide. Different entities within CEOS contributed to the development of this handbook, with the CEOS Working Group on Information Systems and Services (WGISS) leading the overall coordination and development effort.
This new interoperability handbook will help data providers enhance the interoperability of their data and services with those of other organizations, agencies, and countries, which will help in avoiding duplication of efforts, reduce costs, and improve the interoperability of EO data and services. This work will also facilitate the integration of global EO data with other data sources, including geo-statistics, model data, and forecasts.
The CEOS Interoperability Handbook Version 2.0 intends to provide guidance to organizations for development of interoperable data and services and help them in measuring their maturity level. This handbook is intended for use as a guide by different space agencies, new space start-ups and commercial data and service providers to improve interoperability of their data and services.
Adoption of interoperability recommendations as discussed in this handbook will facilitate data sharing among the scientific community, governments, international organizations and other stakeholders and it streamlines access using standard tools and methodologies. It can assist in creating a common understanding among users with different backgrounds, interests, and needs. Finally, interoperability goes beyond data sharing. It can foster collaboration and innovation by enabling the development of new applications, tools, and services that leverage EO data. Such advances are critical for addressing emerging challenges, such as the impacts of changes affecting the climate, natural disasters, water and food security.
Interoperability Framework
In order to guide and structure the overall interoperability-related activities within CEOS, a framework was proposed and developed. Five areas have been identified as critical ‘factors’ needed to move towards greater interoperability of EO data and services.
Each factor has several components and are summarized as below.
| Factor | Description |
| Vocabulary (Semantics) |
The (narrow) semantic aspect refers to the naming and defining terms and expression. It includes developing, harmonizing, and maintaining vocabularies, concepts, and schemata supporting provision, exchange, and analysis of data, information, and knowledge regarding Earth observation. It ensures that words and language are understood in the same way by all communicating parties |
| Architecture | Architecture describes the organizational structure of concepts, processes, and assets, including data. It comprises of the structural aspects of models and standards that govern the collection, storage, archiving, documentation and publication of data |
| Interface (Accessibility) |
Data exchange protocols and application interfaces, from a consumption or user perspective. These provide the means necessary to search for collections, find and access data and information contained in those collections |
| Quality | Indicators (parameters, metrics, etc.) for informing users of the trustworthiness (accuracy, uncertainty, consistency, etc.) of the data provided (measurands, measurements, observations, etc.). |
| Policy | Legal frameworks, policies, rules, and strategies regulating the relation between the different stakeholders. |
Interoperability Recommendations
Each Factor in the Interoperability handbook has recommendations, which contributes towards improved interoperability of data and services. The recommendations are categorized under each factor as shown in the following figure.
Future Scope
The CEOS Interoperability Handbook Version 2.0 reflects a strategic shift from protocol-level interoperability to ecosystem-level interoperability. It recognizes that modern EO systems must support distributed, cloud-native, and user-centric architectures. The emphasis is on enabling seamless integration across agencies, platforms, and applications—rather than simply connecting catalogues or services. It encourages a consumer-oriented, rather than a producer- or custodian-centric perspective of data and services access.
The new version of the handbook is both a continuation and a transformation. It honours the legacy of the previous version by preserving its core principles—such as openness, standardization, and collaboration—while equipping the EO community with the tools and frameworks needed for the next generation of data systems.
In future work, an Interoperability Maturity Matrix will be developed using the recommendations provided in this handbook. The Maturity Matrix will help users to measure the maturity of Interoperability of data and services in their organizations and will also allow them to monitor the interoperability implementation with time.
Consequently, Interoperability Demonstrators will also be developed using the Interoperability Handbook. These demonstrators will help the end users to understand the barriers in implementing the interoperability and will act as use-cases for Interoperability.
Nitant Dube
(ISRO/WGISS Chair)
