Request for comment (RFC)

Requesting Public Comment on Potential OGC Geospatial Observation Needs And Requirements Working Group

The GONAR SWG aims to create a standardized way to clearly and consistently express user needs for geospatial observation data so that they may be acted upon by data providers.

Landsat 9 image of Abaco Island, The Bahamas.

Request Open: October 22, 2024 9:00 am — November 12, 2024 11:59 pm (7 days left)

The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is considering a new Standards Working Group (SWG) focused on Geospatial Observation Needs And Requirements (GONAR). OGC is seeking feedback and comments on the Working Group’s draft Charter before voting on its formation. Comments from non-members are encouraged. Comments are due by November 12, 2024. 

Currently, data providers often create datasets based on their assumptions about what users need, which can lead to underutilization of the data. The GONAR SWG aims to bridge a gap between data providers and users by creating a standardized way to capture and communicate user data requirements that clearly and consistently expresses their needs for geospatial observation data, so that they may be acted upon by data providers. This would in turn foster a marketplace in which user’s needs directly inform data production. Examples of implementation of geospatial observations needs and requirements include the G-reqs and the Copernicus In-situ Information System (both funded by the European Enviromental Agency). 

The SWG’s scope of work includes identifying core needs for geospatial observation data, standardizing a data model to describe the needs and requirements of users of observational data, and creating an OGC API to create, modify, retrieve, and delete these descriptions. The group also plans to promote the use of standardized requirements by both data users and providers. 

The anticipated outcome of this work is a set of open standards that enable robust and transparent communication of geospatial observation user needs and requirements, ultimately leading to the creation of data that better serves its intended purpose. 

The draft OGC Geospatial Observation Needs And Requirements (GONAR) Standards Working Group Charter (OGC 24-011r1) (.HTML & .PDF) is available for review and comment on the OGC Portal. Comments are due by November 12, 2024, and should be submitted via the method below. 

To Comment:  Comments can be submitted to a dedicated email reflector for a period ending on the “Close request date” listed above. Comments received will be consolidated and reviewed by OGC members for incorporation into the document. Please submit your comments via this email address, using this Comments Template for the message body. 

Subscribe to Comments: 
You may wish to subscribe to the distribution list to receive comments as they are submitted. Subscribing to the list will also allow you to view comments already received, which can be found in the List Archives

About OGC 
The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is a membership organization dedicated to using the power of geography and technology to solve problems faced by people and the planet. OGC unlocks value and opportunity for its members through Standards, Innovation, and Collaboration. Our membership represents a diverse and active global community drawn from government, industry, academia, international development agencies, research & scientific organizations, civil society, and advocates. 
Visit ogc.org for more information about our work.