Establishment and continuous updating of eLTER Standard Observations with related methods and protocols
Description
This service offers a comprehensive support system that includes a publicly accessible repository of Standard Observation protocol documents (including their regular revision) and videos, regular training sessions for data producers, and a dedicated team that answers questions, monitors technological advancements, and coordinates the implementation and training of new methods and protocols within eLTER RI.
Key features
- Establishing, maintaining, and updating a repository of documents and/or videos describing the protocols that are shared publicly on the eLTER website.
- Periodic revision of methods and protocols.
- Discussing adaptation of new methods/ protocols with eLTER coordination.
- Consulting service for questions/requests on Standard Observation protocols for Site and Platform coordinators.
- Training/workshops on protocols for Site and Platform coordinators.
Design of sites enabling Whole System Approach
Description
This service conducts in-situ assessments of site designs with a focus on enabling the eLTER Whole System Approach (WAILS). The assessment includes evaluation of existing approaches for suitability and integration, and continually updates protocols for the Whole System Approach alongside the Standard Observations.
Key features
- In situ assessment of WAILS approach within eLTER site design to enable Whole System research approach.
- Evaluation of approaches already applied at sites to assess suitability and necessary integration.
- Continuous assessment and update of protocols for Whole Systems Approach alongside existing Standard Observations.
Contributing to the site selection and labelling service
Description
The objective of this service is to assess the representativeness of the eLTER network of Sites and Platforms, thereby contributing to the labelling of sites and platforms. In light of the establishment of eLTER as a European Research Infrastructure, it is crucial to ascertain its representativeness in addressing the identified research challenges and to identify the gaps that require attention.
Key features
- Evaluates the representativeness of the eLTER network of labelled Sites and Platforms and identifies spatial gaps to allow optimal coverage in terms of eLTER Standard Observations and WAILS approach.
- Suggests establishment or upgrade of sites to new or higher categories (Cat 1/ Cat 2) to fill gaps.
- Proposes existing sites from other RIs/networks to be considered in order to close gaps to the eLTER RI coordination.
Technical consultation for new eLTER RI members on site locations and requirements
Description
This service coordinates consultations with RI members to help improve national networks, evaluates and inspects proposed sites against relevant criteria, and contributes to site selection and labelling processes.
Key features
- Manage consultation process with RI members (ensuring assessment of member issues regarding location, cost and requirements for environmental observation at site, national and regional level).
- Pre-evaluation of proposed sites (according to the geographical/biome/ecosystem type coverage of the whole RI).
- Possible inspection of candidate sites.
- Propose possible tutoring (from other RI member networks and particularly from those with similar biomes/ecosystems/ conditions).
- Assist eLTER RI coordination with the labelling process.
Technical consultation on observation maintenance and field calibration
Description
This service is primarily intended for Site and Platform Coordinators who have technical questions regarding the maintenance or calibration of equipment required for the collection of Standard Observations (SOs). The objective is to provide seamless and direct support from experienced and trained personnel who can provide answers to detailed questions about various instruments and their calibration.
Key features
- Trained personnel provide support with maintenance and calibration of devices needed to deliver Standard Observation (SO) data within a predefined time through the HelpDesk (Ticketing System) to ensure a timely response and to ensure the continuation of high quality SO data collection.
- Protocols and field calibration procedures will be provided in a way that allows seamless usage of both.
- If calibration requires a central facility, this service establishes the contact and manages the calibration.
Consultation on Provision of SO for EO cal/val purposes
Description
This service will provide technical advice to a) Site and Platform Coordinators considering to provide SO data adapted to serve as in-situ calibration and validation data for Earth observation products, and b) major Earth observation data providers (Copernicus/EEA, ESA) wishing to integrate eLTER in-situ data.
Key features
- Technical advice to Site and Platform Coordinators considering to provide SO data adapted to serve as in-situ calibration and validation data for Earth observation products - Technical advisor and broker between major Earth observation data providers (Copernicus/EEA, ESA) who wish to integrate eLTER in-situ data.
- Continuous exchange with the Copernicus in-situ component led by EEA, relevant sub-groups of the CEOS Calibration & Validation Working Group, GBOV, and ESA, with the aim of identifying potential in-situ data and co-designing the technical and SO capabilities of eLTER to provide operational in-situ data (together with eLTER RI Head Office).