The intergovernmental Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is leading a worldwide effort to build a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). GEOSS builds upon, and adds value to, functioning  Earth observation systems by supporting their interoperability, among other objectives.  The added value primarily comes from interoperability facilitating the creation of datasets from disparate observation systems that can be used to obtain vital information for the benefit of society. The various societal benefit areas, as well as more information regarding GEO and the GEOSS can be found here .

Interoperability in GEOSS will be achieved primarily by specifying how GEOSS components exchange data and information at their interfaces. The GEOSS strategy is to realize a system of systems through adoption of selected international standards that enable interoperability.  The mechanism that facilitates the interoperability is the GEOSS architecture, which is realized by the components implemented as part of the GEOSS Common Infrastructure (GCI).  An explanation of the GCI can be found here . 

Components central to the GCI and the goal of interoperability are the Components and Services Registry and the Standards and Interoperability Registry.  These registries maintain the GEOSS resources used for data sharing and the standards, protocols and other specifications enabling interoperability between them.  This website hosts the GEOSS Standards and Interoperability Registry. Click here to search the Registry. The GEOSS Components and Services Registries can be searched here .

The group overseeing the advocacy and problem resolution related to interoperability is the Standards and Interoperability Forum (SIF).  This group is tasked by the Architecture and Data Committee (ADC) to facilitate the interchange of information and the development of recommendations for standards and interoperability in GEOSS.  The purpose of the SIF is to provide advice, expertise, and impartial guidance on issues relating to standards and interoperability.  More information on the SIFcanbe found here .