Understanding Earth insights: Getting to know the Copernicus Data Space
How the Copernicus Data Space is advancing open access to satellite data
The European Union’s Space Programme is responsible for the implementation of space activities such as earth observation, satellite navigation, and space research. One of the main components of the programme is Copernicus, which is the European Earth Observation system. Named after European scientist and observer Nicolaus Copernicus, it offers insights drawn from satellite earth observations and in-situ (non-space) data. The information collected by Copernicus’ Sentinel satellites has been compiled and can be found on the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem (CDSE).
The CDSE provides access to large amounts of free and open Earth observation data, which can be used for observation and analysis by its users. The ecosystem is working on further improving access and exploitation of EU’s Copernicus satellite data, as well as supporting users in building applications needed for accurate, timely, and objective information. The CDSE also provides the option to use cloud-based processing tools such as JupyterLab and openEO to analyse data without having to download it. The ecosystem also wants to facilitate all users in utilising their data, which is why they provide toolkits for everyone to easily process and analyse the data in a way that supports their needs.
By being the first ecosystem that provides users with almost all historical satellite data available from the Sentinel satellite constellations, the CDSE is the perfect place to access information from the Copernicus programme. The primary goal is to ensure instant data availability to all users free of charge and real-time accessibility. As a part of EU’s vision for Common European Data Spaces, the CSDE goes beyond being just a satellite information programme, but also a public good. Recently, the programme also launched their newest Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission to help gain more knowledge on earth data.
By making Earth observation data accessible, the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem promotes a new generation of solutions for a more resilient future on the planet. To learn more about how Copernicus data is being used by European countries, visit data.europa.eu and check out the datasets.
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