International cooperation for the utilization of earth observational data in an integrated manner

— Development of de jure standardization of the common infrastructure for the global earth observation system of systems —

Abstract

While each country separately obtains, processes, and utilizes earth observation data, there is a pressing need for a common infrastructure to facilitate integrated use of these resources. At an intergovernmental meeting, an international agreement was reached to construct a common infrastructure for the global earth observation system. Several organizations have submitted components for this infrastructure. These submissions were fairly evaluated, and the most suitable components were recommended for inclusion into the infrastructure system, at the intergovernmental meeting. Recommendation of specific infrastructure components establishes de jure standards for the global earth observation system. Since Japan has not offered its own components, it has been able to take a neutral stance on formulating de jure standards. Consequently, the standards widely used as de facto in Japan have been selected as de jure standards. This experience could be a model case for the development of a strategy for international standardization activity.