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The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) and the CSIR launched the third phase of their environmental data platform CoGIS (Collaborative Geographical Information Service) earlier this year.
| "CoGIS serves as a platform for multi-dimensional data across time and space, and enables researchers to interpret and use the data to measure the changing state of the environment and to inform predictive models of global change." - Johan Pauw, Managing Director, SAEON
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"Not only is CoGIS a product of collaboration, but it will provide a platform for future collaboration in the global change arena." - Dr Pat Manders, Executive Director, CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment
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CoGIS is based on the CSIR's Collaborative Spatial Analysis and Modelling Platform (CoSAMP), and was specifically customised for SAEON's publicly available data management mandate. Due to its ability to archive, search and discover spatial and other information and tools in a secure environment, which enables collaborative research, CoGIS allows scientists to share and integrate information.
Initially, the third phase will mainly publish metadata from a variety of data holdings, but with time will enable researchers to add new data online, access and integrate existing data, analyse and add value to the data, and share knowledge as part of the SAEON mandate.
SAEON's core business areas are based upon three pillars - observation (science), information (management) and education (outreach). One of SAEON's key functions is to develop infrastructure for environmental science research at its geographically distributed observation platforms, or nodes. This infrastructure includes interoperable geo-spatial data systems which place data in the public domain, promoting open access to quality data.
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"By providing open access to data, CoGIS is expected to play a significant role in enabling researchers in all disciplines related to global change to accelerate relevant research." - Johan Pauw, Managing Director, SAEON
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CoGIS stakeholders
CoGIS stakeholders include all organisations in South Africa and beyond which are involved in environmental observations and have environmental data to share. Key stakeholders include the World Data Centre for Biodiversity and Human Health and the South African Risk and Vulnerability Atlas.
The Department of Science and Technology recently commissioned SAEON to expand the development of the system for the purposes of the South African Earth Observation Strategy (SAEOS), to enable South Africa to contribute to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).
For more technical information on CoGIS, read The CoGIS Portal
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