Harmonization of Earth Observation Data: Global Change and Collective Action Conflict

ABSTRACT

Earth observation by satellites is the basis for integrated scientific assessment of global environmental change. Institutional arrangements to coordinate Earth observation data collection efforts recognize harmonization as essential for the scientific assessments that are sought. The goal of harmonization is to achieve compatibility of data polices among the various Earth observation science missions. In this article, I discuss the concept of harmonization and evaluate how Earth observation data policies influence the implementation of harmonization through an examination of a number of relevant actors, strategies, and systems. This includes the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites, the Integrated Global Observing Strategy, the former International Earth Observing System, the Group on Earth Observations, the Global Earth Observation System-of-Systems, and the Earth observation programs in the United States and Europe. The results of this study indicate that the problem for realizing an optimal harmonization lies in the differing preferences among actors as to how harmonization is formulated and then implemented. A number of recommendations are put forward here that can ameliorate the problems concerning the implementation of harmonization.