Invitation to review the QA4EO Key Guidelines

Following discussions at the two GEO/CEOS workshops on calibration and validation, CEOS WGCV has established a Quality Assurance Framework for Earth Observation data (QA4EO).

The strategy underpinning QA4EO is based upon the adoption of a set of key operational guidelines derived from "best practices" for implementation by the community. The success of QA4EO will result in the ability to assign a Quality Indicator (QI) to any "knowledge information product" based upon documented unequivocal evidence of traceability to an internationally accepted standard.

The key guidelines provide guidance on the means to achieve the above and in some cases example templates to facilitate the consequential establishment of detailed technical procedures, results and activities needed for its implementation. The key guidelines, collated into three theme areas - Data Quality, Data Policy and Communication & Education - have been drafted and are currently under review by experts from around the world.

The final documents will be presented to the CEOS SIT in September 2008, pending approval by the WGCV at their plenary meeting in October 2008. Once approved, it is hoped that the QA4EO will be put forward for formal endorsement by CEOS at the 22nd CEOS plenary in November 2008.
Your comments on these documents are still welcome and would be highly appreciated. All documents are accessible online in the QA4EO subsections accessible through the menu. Any additional comments, corrections and feedback shall be sent to