The objective of earth science data set generation is to identify and describe phenomena related to global environmental changes and to estimate quantitatively the rate of environmental changes or effect on human activities.
The satellite-based remote sensing data are a key component of data sets. However, they must be validated by in situ data and for long-term prediction, the accuracy of data sets is essential. Therefore, it is increasingly important to develop high accuracy algorithm to derive geophysical parameters through validation, to obtain more systematic ground truth to match up data set, and to accumulate remote sensing data for models.
As a satellite program, Global Change Observation Mission (GCOM) concept is in the research phase. This program will start from the launching of Advanced Earth Observing Satellite-II (ADEOS-II) in 2000, followed by four satellites for a 15-year monitoring period.
As for regional applications, Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) will be launched in 2002.
For the data set generation, a well-organized system is important, involving data providers and scientific community or application users. Global Research Network System (GRNS) is an example of unique system of data set generation research in the Asia-Pacific region.
These satellite programs and data set generation projects should be integrated interdisciplinary, systematically and internationally.