Project: Metrology for earth observation and climate

Remote sensing of the Earth from space is vital for obtaining the global data needed to underpin climate change research and identify potential environmental issues such as pollution and coastal erosion. Satellites need to be able to detect changes in the Essential Climate Variables, such as the total solar energy and sea surface temperature, of a few tenths of a per cent per decade. Satellite instruments vary in performance due to harshness of the launch and environmental conditions in space. They therefore need to be validated in orbit to guarantee the reliability of the data they collect. This project will establish the tools, methods and infrastructure to help assign trustworthy confidence levels to climate change monitoring data. A network of test sites on the ground will help calibrate satellites once they are in orbit and help progress the development of a prototype climate and calibration satellite called TRUTHS – Traceable Radiometry Underpinning Terrestrial- and Helio- Studies.

Acronym ENV53 MetEOC2 (Reference Number: ENV53)
Duration 01/09/2014 - 31/08/2017
Project Topic Metrology
Project Results
(after finalisation)
See Website
Website visit project website
Network EMRP
Call EMRP Call 2013 - Energy and Environment

Project partner

Number Name Role Country
1 NPL Management Limited Coordinator United Kingdom
2 Cesky Metrologicky Institut Partner Czech Republic
3 Conservatoire national des arts et metiers Partner France
4 Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas Partner Spain
5 Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica Partner Italy
6 Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy Partner Finland
7 Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt Partner Germany
8 Schweizerisches Forschungsinstitut fuer Hochgebirgsklima und Medizin in Davos Partner Switzerland
9 VSL B.V. Partner Netherlands
10 Bergische Universitaet Wuppertal Observer Germany
11 Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt eV Observer Germany
12 Maanmittauslaitos Observer Finland
13 Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH Observer Germany
14 Science and Technology Facilities Council Observer United Kingdom
15 University College London Observer United Kingdom
20 JRC - Joint Research Centre - European Commission Partner Belgium