EARSC, in collaboration with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), recently hosted a specialised workshop in Brussels focused on promoting the use of CAMS (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service) and C3S (Copernicus Climate Change Service) data in the EO downstream sector. The event brought together stakeholders from across the EO value chain to address critical insights and barriers identified through an ongoing EARSC study on fostering the adoption of CAMS and C3S data products and services within the sector.
Currently, only 25% of companies in the EO sector are using C3S data, and just 20% are engaging with CAMS, according to EARSC Industry Survey 2024. Based on the study, key applications are found in healthcare, agriculture and food security, renewable energy, and climate understanding. Other sectors utilising the data include insurance, compliance monitoring, and economic consultancy, with use cases found also in satellite tasking and satellite calibration. However, a significant knowledge gap persists, necessitating more accessible training and support to commercial users to unlock the data’s full potential.
Several challenges identified in the study were presented during the workshop, such as the difficulty of navigating the CAMS and C3S websites and data stores, which are primarily geared toward scientific users. Feedback indicated that technical documentation often lacks clarity for private-sector stakeholders, compounded by technical language and data formats that can be daunting. Additionally, unpredictable data delivery times and limited support for the private sector present further hurdles. Workshop attendees called for an industry-focused strategy for data accessibility, policy support, and improved continuity for service planning.
With strong interest from the EO sector to integrate CAMS and C3S data into future services, EARSC emphasised the urgent need to bridge these knowledge gaps to accelerate adoption. Streamlined training, tailored user support, and enhanced data usability will be essential to driving widespread adoption and maximising the value of CAMS and C3S data for Earth observation companies across Europe.
Real-World Use Cases Showcase Potential and Challenges
During the session, TerraNIS and GMV provided valuable case studies illustrating both the benefits and practical obstacles of using CAMS and C3S data. TerraNIS leverages the datasets for agricultural and municipal support services, particularly benefiting from the data’s accessibility and precision in weather and climate insights. However, they cited difficulties in identifying pertinent data and mastering the technical aspects of model outputs. GMV, utilising CAMS and C3S data for risk management in finance, highlighted challenges around data acquisition for precise areas of interest and processing delays in ERA5-Land data, which limit some time-sensitive applications like Early Warning Systems.
Both companies underscored the high quality and reliability of the data, with GMV lauding its global applicability, which is crucial for financial institutions needing geographically transferable insights.
Broader Industry Engagement and Future Potential
The workshop also spotlighted initiatives under the Climate Cassini program, where EARSC members such as Latitudo40, ConstellR, and earthpulse! are applying CAMS and C3S data in urban planning, risk assessment, and environmental monitoring. These applications range from urban heat island analysis and carbon stock monitoring to flood and extreme weather risk assessments. Other EO applications under development include site selection for renewable energy projects, commercial feasibility for PV installations, and ESG compliance monitoring.
Hands-On Training by ECMWF
Following these presentations, ECMWF experts led an in-depth training session designed to enhance participants’ practical knowledge and hands-on skills with CAMS and C3S data. The session began with an overview of ECMWF’s user support services, forums, and web platforms, highlighting the range of tools and resources available for companies seeking assistance with CAMS and C3S.
The training covered critical technical topics:
- Locating and Accessing Datasets: Guidance on navigating repositories to locate and efficiently download relevant EO datasets.
- Efficient Dataset Search and Download: Techniques to help users quickly identify and streamline dataset downloads.
- Data Processing Workflows: Step-by-step processes for converting raw data into usable formats.
- Data Formats and Conversion: An overview of essential data formats and methods to convert them for commercial and research purposes.
The interactive training included exercises, allowing participants to apply new skills in real-time and engage directly with experts to address questions or challenges they encountered
