The Copernicus programme provides a wealth of data collected by satellites orbiting the Earth and complemented by “in situ” observations on the ground, in the sea, and in the air. This combination not only enables to collect ground truth to complement satellite data; it also enables the development of applications offering reliable information for the benefit of multiple sectors such as agriculture, forestry, coastal water quality monitoring etc. The satellite data of Copernicus can only reach its full potential through calibration and validation by these in situ data. The (EEA) has the ambitious role of coordinating the and the multiple ecosystems of data providers within Member States, while maintaining a constant overview of the needs and requirements of the Copernicus Services. 

The Copernicus programme provides a wealth of data collected by satellites orbiting the Earth and complemented by “in situ” observations on the ground, in the sea, and in the air. Besides enabling the collection of “ground truth” to complement satellite data, this mix makes the development of applications offering reliable information possible, benefiting multiple sectors such as agriculture, forestry, coastal water quality monitoring, etc. Satellite data (such as that provided by the Copernicus progamme) can only reach its full potential through the complementary use of in situ data (e.g. for calibration and validation). The European Environment Agency (EEA) has the ambitious role of coordinating the Copernicus in situ component and the multiple ecosystems of data providers within Member States, while maintaining a constant overview of the needs and requirements of the Copernicus Services.