The Satellite-based Wetland Observation Service (SWOS) – an EU H2020 funded project – starts on 1st June 2015 with a duration of 3 years and is coordinated by Jena-Optronik. The objectives of SWOS are to (1) promote and underpin the consideration of wetlands in the implementation of key policy areas, (2) develop an operational, standardized monitoring service and service portal for wetlands and their ecosystem services, (3) provide a unique entry point to easily locate, access and connect wetland information via the service portal, (4) use the new possibilities offered by the Sentinel satellites and (5) further develop existing approaches, in particular the GlobWetland II approach.
SWOS follows a multi-level user approach: Ecosystem and wetland management bodies (national park and protected area managers, scientists, local administrations) are addressed on the local level. National authorities shall benefit from and contribute to SWOS regarding the reporting on the status and trends of wetland ecosystems (national administrations, Natura2000, WFD, EU member states). At the global scale SWOS aims to support the implementation action of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), EU Natura2000, CBD, and the EU Copernicus program.
A fully automated acquisition, thematic mapping, and long-term accessibility of key wetland map products and indicators are the main goals of the SWOS project. The planned SWOS data middleware system operated by a geoportal will be designed by FSU Jena for full access to satellite data, derived products, and in-situ databases and all existing EO data related to wetlands. SWOS will contribute to reducing existing deficits in human-machine interaction for a better and faster performance, linking users with different sources of environmental data.
Recent web-based approaches in environmental monitoring will be integrated via mobile applications on smartphones, such as crowdsourcing based delineation of wetlands and biodiversity mapping and mobile visualization and analysis for spatial time-series data. The integration of citizens as sensors for collaborative mapping will enhance the public awareness and visibility of the project and the environmental challenges addressed and is in line with current and planned activities within GEO. Visit https://www.remote-sensing-solutions.com/satellite-based_wetland_observation/ to follow the project activities. Participants of the Ramsar COP 12 in Punta del Este, Uruguay (from 1 -9 June 2015) are invited to the SWOS Side Event on Friday, 5 June 2015. For general information on SWOS and how to get involved please contact Kathrin Weise (kathrin.weise@jena-optronik.de).
Christian Hüttich