- October 21, 2020
- Posted by: EARSC
- Category: Members News
Figure 1-RUS Portal revamped to introduce the new offer
Launched in the Autumn 2017 to foster the use of EO Data and to overcome technical problems related to downloading, storing, and processing Sentinel data, the RUS (Research and User Support) service supports and advises users of the European countries, willing to benefit from the Earth observation program, Copernicus. Funded by the European Commission, managed by the European Space Agency – ESA, RUS is operated by CS GROUP (Payload data and application department) and its partners: Serco Italy SPA, Noveltis, Along-Track, and CS Romania.
It addresses, at no cost, users of the European countries wishing to take advantage from all the satellite data released every day by the Copernicus program.
Since last September, RUS-Copernicus is designing a new offer in order to reach a greater number of users and provide them with RUS tools and services:
· What is changing ?
o Thanks to a Docker solution, the RUS work environment can be made available, for a larger number of users. This includes a suite of pre-installed open source tools, for viewing and processing Copernicus images, and the development of algorithms and processing chains. To operate those tools, support and assistance can be provided, to set the RUS Docker on the user’s infrastructure,
o As part of this solution, scientific and technical support is delivered to back up users,
o The allocation of Virtual Machines for R&D projects is no longer included, but these projects can be conducted using the Docker solution,
o The range of training courses has been largely expanded in order to offer more content to a wider audience : users new to remote sensing, support and assistance for teacher-researchers wishing to familiarize their students with remote sensing and its multiple applications, or any community searching to build skills and capacity, in order to use Sentinel data as a decision-making tool,
o The training offer includes a free allocation of Virtual Machines (for a limited period of time), occasionally and on request, to repeat exercises or webinars,
o RUS Virtual Machines are supplied from Copernicus DIAS or from cloud providers.
· What is not changing ?
o Support and assistance in using the open source pre-installed software and tools as part of the RUS IT environment whether it is offered within the RUS Virtual Machines or via the RUS Docker,
o Our experts to support and advise users for the processing of Sentinel data: helpdesk, chatrooms, open source software,
o Access to the service through RUS portal: creation of a user account,
o Regular training sessions, under different formats, for users of any level of proficiency: monthly webinars, virtual classes, Master Classes,
o Free service for all users coming from the countries contributing to the Copernicus program (EU plus Iceland and Norway).
Visit the RUS portal to be updated on the virtual classes already planned. During these sessions, the participants, assisted by the trainers, will be equipped with a RUS Virtual Machine to remotely carry out hands-on data processing exercises.
Other forms of support for training purposes are proposed, do not hesitate to contact us.
Stay tuned!
All our training sessions are announced on the RUS website, and echoed on our social media and training platform.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, and find out more!
