The Arctic Products Validation and Evolution (APVE) will address the development, assessment and improvement of the broad spectrum of capabilities offered by Space-based Earth observation technology in response to high-latitude and Arctic stakeholders information needs; addressing National, Regional, and International interests and, focusing on existing agency data, and others in support of future capabilities (evolution) such as pooling resources (systems, programs, audience, etc.) and better operation support/amplified impact.

 

Introduction

 

In response to strategic priorities common to all high-latitude and Arctic Nations and most of which are Member States of the European Space Agency (ESA); ESA, in collaboration with LookNorth and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is organising a Workshop on Arctic Products Validation and Evolution (APVE). The APVE will foster the development, assessment and improvement of the broad spectrum of capabilities offered by Space-based Earth observation technology in response to high-latitude and Arctic stakeholders information needs addressing National, Regional, and International interests. The focus of the first of three international workshops will be on existing agency data, and others in support of future capabilities (evolution). Scientists and validation experts are provided with the opportunity to present latest results from their on-going research, including the evolution of products, the development of validation, the inter-comparison methodologies and the evolution of algorithms. The workshop will focus on optical imaging sensors with some elements of radar, from ESA missions and national missions. During this workshop results from recently reprocessed high-latitude data sets will be presented and contributions for future ESA missions using existing data sets and validation infrastructures are encouraged. Scientists are encouraged to submit abstracts for presentations and posters for the workshops.

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

Objectives

• To review algorithms and satellite products for the high-latitudes (continental to coastal)
• To elaborate guidelines for generation of reference / validation data (i.e. from high resolution satellite images, in-situ data; etc.)
• To elaborate concepts, protocols and guidelines for intercomparison and validation of high-latitude products
• To review and discuss uncertainty characterisation of satellite high-latitude products

Expected outcomes

• Description of algorithms and high-latitude products
• Concept, protocols and procedures for validating and intercomparing products
• Definition of key regions and key periods for validation and quality assessment
• Procedures for generating reference data for product intercomparisons
• Coordinated plan of validation activities and intercomparison

 

Proposed themes

• Mapping, characterization and changes with time of high-latitude areas and the Arctic:
  • Characterization and physical changes due to processes and dynamics.
  • Collection of cartographic information (incl. land classification).
• Environmental monitoring of land, water and atmosphere in high-latitude areas and the Arctic:
  • Includes physical, chemical and biological parameters to detect short-term changes and trends.
  • Environmental monitoring of coastal transition zone.
• Sustainable economic development of natural resources in high-latitudes and the Arctic:
  • Mapping and monitoring to support economic activities including the exploitation of natural resources and also transportation, by land, water and air.
• Safety and emergency response in high-latitude areas and the Arctic:
  • Monitoring to improve safety and to support emergency response to both natural and man-made conditions.
• Security and Sovereignty in high-latitude areas and the Arctic:
  • Monitoring to support the protection of humans, wildlife and property and the terms of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• Validation capacity and infrastructure in high-latitude areas and the Arctic
  • Specifically addressing the needs and coordination of the above points.

 

Schedule and Deadline

1st Workshop Announcement	15 July 2014
Abstract submission Deadline	15 Sept 2014
Notification of acceptance	22 Sept 2014
Preliminary programme	26 Sept 2014
Registration to the Workshop and Optional Dinner on 11 Nov. 2014	30 Oct 2014
1st International Arctic Validation and Evolution Workshop	12-13 Nov. 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

	Organisation committee
	Bojan Bojkov, ESA (Italy)
	Dennis Nazarenko, LookNorth (Canada)
	Yves Crevier, CSA (Canada)
	Guy Aubé, CSA (Canada)
	Françoise Labonté, FLC (Canada)
	Alessandro Burini, ESA (Italy)