VH-RODA 2023: CEOS Engagement at Industry Events
The Very High-resolution Radar & Optical Data Assessment (VH-RODA) Workshop 2023 proved to be a significant event for the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS). The workshop was hosted by the European Space Agency (ESA) at ESA-ESRIN in Frascati, Italy, on November 27-30, 2023.
VH-RODA serves as an open forum for the new space, commercial, and institutional space sectors, focusing on Earth observation (EO) data quality, calibration, and validation. With a dedicated emphasis on commercial EO data providers, VH-RODA facilitates discussions on standards, best practices, and future developments in the field. ESA has been organising VH-RODA since 2019, positioning it as the European version of the Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation (JACIE) workshop.
Philippe Goryl (ESA), current WGCV Chair, holds positions on both the Organising and Scientific Committees at VH-RODA. Meanwhile, Cody Anderson (U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)), current WGCV Vice-chair, is actively involved in the organisation of the JACIE workshop.
VH-RODA 2023 Workshop Participants (Image credit: ESA)
During VH-RODA 2023, the CEOS Working Group on Calibration and Validation (WGCV) played a pivotal role in representing the committee’s interests. WGCV presented on a number of topics throughout the workshop, including on the Radiometric Calibration Network (RADCalNet). RADCalNet provides crucial references, methods, and documentation to support calibration and validation work in the evolving landscape of new space technologies, which is of particular relevance to the VH-RODA audience. Other key topics presented by CEOS WGCV included:
- Updates from the SITSat Task Team, which was formed in 2023 to coordinate the efforts of SI Traceable satellites;
- Outcomes and recommendations from the New Space Task Team;
- Benefits of using the CEOS-WGCV recommended solar irradiance model;
- Reference calibration and validation networks such as SARCalNet, HyperNET, Cal/Val Park, TIR Top-of-Atmosphere Calibration Network and the Agency Preferred Cal/Val Site List;
- Results from the Digital Elevation Model Intercomparison eXercise (DEMIX);
- CEOS Level-1 Calibration methodology capability database and GCPIX proposal.
Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRM) were another key area for discussion, where WGCV presented on the FRM Assessment Framework currently in development.
The Land Surface Imaging Virtual Constellation (LSI-VC), represented by Andreia Siqueira (Geoscience Australia, LSI-VC Co-Lead), presented on behalf of CEOS during the Analysis Ready Data (ARD) session at VH-RODA. The CEOS-ARD Oversight Group found the meeting was a very useful opportunity to connect with the private sector on this topic, and has since followed up with two parties that are interested in learning more about the CEOS-ARD assessment. Notably, both companies are focused on thermal infrared / land surface temperature. The Land Surface Temperature CEOS-ARD Specification has been shared and further discussion initiated.
More information on the VH-RODA workshop is available at: https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/events/vh-roda
As mentioned above, VH-RODA was established to mirror the Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation (JACIE) workshop held annually in the USA. USGS will be hosting the 22nd JACIE Civil Commercial Imagery Evaluation Workshop on March 11 – 14, 2024 at USGS Headquarters, Reston, Virginia with its JACIE partners from NASA, NGA, NOAA, NRO, and USDA. JACIE serves as a key platform for evaluating and advancing the quality of commercial imagery. CEOS’s involvement in JACIE emphasises the committee’s global engagement and collaboration efforts in ensuring the quality and accuracy of EO data. WGCV Vice Chair, Cody Anderson (USGS), will represent WGCV and CEOS at this event, alongside many others from the community.
By strategically fostering connections with industry through workshops like VH-RODA and JACIE, CEOS continues to actively participate in shaping the future of EO data quality in the commercial space era. The positive feedback and established connections during VH-RODA 2023 underscore CEOS’s pivotal role in advancing Earth observation technologies.