Earth Observation in the Balkans (BalkanGEONet)

Overview

BalkanGEONet is aimed at the inclusion of all Balkan countries in the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), a decade-long collaboration between governments and international organizations to create a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).

Filling gaps in data from the Balkan region is important if the GEOSS network is to provide data, imagery, and analytical software packages relevant to all parts of the globe.

BalkanGEONet is intended to create a permanent Web-based networking facility and a set of roadmaps and recommendations for the coordinated and sustained participation of all Balkan countries in global earth observation initiatives. The network would link to EuroGeoss, the broader European effort to support GEOSS.

The BalkanGEONet consortium includes key players from across the Balkans who provide and/or use Earth observation data. Although several Balkan countries already participate in GEO initiatives, many do not, and the project will survey and identify the status and needs of individual countries to encourage their participation.  

Currently GEO research in the Balkans is being conducted by individual institutions. The project is expected to link the Balkans to a network that connects regional and national research organizations.

IIASA Research

IIASA researchers are developing the methodology necessary to survey EO-related activities in Balkan countries, analyzing existing and planned initiatives in the region, and looking at the contributions the countries can make in the future. IIASA analysts will develop recommendations about the future involvement of Balkan countries in GEO initiatives.

Last edited: 19 June 2012