To bring space and earth observation closer to EU citizens, the Europan Commission’s Copernicus is launching ‘Europe’s eyes on the Earth’ roadshow. Events will be held in five European Countries (Germany, The Netherlands, Estonia, Romania, and Italy) between June 2019 and March 2020.
Copernicus is Europe’s system for monitoring the Earth and collects data from several satellites and sensors on the ground stations, in the air, and at sea. Data is collected for a wide range of applications, including environment protection, urban management, regional and local planning, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, health, transport, climate change, sustainable development, civil protection, and tourism.
Launched over 20 years ago, the programme is now the largest of its kind in the world. Seven satellites are currently in orbit producing more than 12 terabytes per day of high-resolution information for six key themes: land, marine, atmosphere, climate change, emergency management, and security.
Previously, space data was only used by government organisations and scientists. But now, this reliable up-to-date data and can be used by innovative businesses to develop satellite-based products and services, and will soon be available across five cloud-based platforms called Data and Information Access Services or DIAS.
The single co-ordinated platform also provides significant cost savings for both national and EU-wide initiatives and has stimulated a vibrant start-up scene in Europe and stimulated jobs growth. Moreover, the EU is less dependant on third-party data to support its various industries.
The new and exciting roadshow initiative is free-of-charge and aimed at increasing awareness of the skills and job opportunities in the satellite industry as well as spreading knowledge of the important existing Earth observation activities currently underway in Europe.
In addition, the organisers hope to encourage further development of novel applications using space data and other geo-tracking systems. Moreover, the programme will help EU citizens develop the technical and scientific skills they need to work in the space data sector.
The series of events, aimed at both those already involved in the sector as well as the general public — including school-age and university students — will be spread across two days and include:
- An expo area with interactive stands on geospatial observation;
- Sessions led by international experts on Earth observation.
- Policy sessions on the impact and benefits of the Copernicus Programme;
- Dedicated Masterclasses;
- Matchmaking sessions to put university students, young professionals, and businesses in touch with geospatial experts.
According to, Emanuele Barreca, Space Data for Societal Challenges and Growth Unit at the European Commission’s DG GROW:
“Europe is increasing its space data and Earth observation activities, but most Europeans do not consider careers in this industry or using space data to grow their business. With The ‘Eyes on Earth’ Roadshow, we want to encourage their interest in space and Earth observation; and help to increase digital data skills in this area. Meanwhile, we bring the Copernicus programme closer to citizens and show how geospatial activities benefit areas like climate change, defence, agriculture, humanitarian aid, among others.”
The first stop for the ‘Europe’s eyes on the Earth’ roadshow will be Darmstadt, Germany from 12–13 June 2019. Exact dates of each roadshow and programme details can be found on the Copernicus website.