The Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS) is a programme for observations, modelling, and analysis of terrestrial ecosystems to support sustainable development. GTOS facilitates access to information on terrestrial ecosystems so that researchers and policy makers can detect and manage global and regional environmental change. The GTOS programme structure is composed of panels, regional projects and technical programmes. Implementation of the observing programs is accomplished using satellite missions, technical programs, and existing and expanded terrestrial networks.

Programmes Activities

• SITE DATA - The Terrestrial Ecosystem Monitoring Sites (TEMS) is an international directory of sites (named T.Sites) and networks that carry out long-term terrestrial monitoring and research activities.
  • Data Access
  • Program Overview
  • T-Sites Access Webpage in EcoPort (search by TEMS variable, Network, Location)
• NETWORKS - The Global Terrestrial Observing Network (GT-NET)  is a system of thematic observation networks. Each represents an organized effort for a particular theme, habitat type or region. The global networks are: River Discharge (GTN-R)**, Glacier (GTN-G)**, Hydrology (GTN-H)**, Lake Level/Area (GTN-L)**, Mountains (GTN-M) and Permafrost (GTN-P)**
  • Data Access
  • Program Overview
  • Regional Networks
• BIODIVERSITY - GTOS Biodiversity Initiative (B-GTOS)
  • Program Overview

** Joint programs with GCOS (See the GCOS/GTOS Joint Programs Matrix)

Technical Panels

• COASTAL - The Coastal-GTOS (C-GTOS) is a program GTOS has developed in collaboration with other coastal programmes and international initiatives to focus on global and regional change in coastal areas. There is a clear need for information on global and regional change in coastal areas. Collection of in situ and remote sensing data must be improved and associated data management, model production and communication infrastructure developed to provide free and timely information to developed and developing nations.
  • Program Overview
• LAND-COVER - The Global Observation of Forest and Land Cover Dynamics (GOFC-GOLD) panel for climate  is a coordinated international effort to supply space-based and in situ forest and land cover observations to obtain an accurate, reliable and quantitative understanding of global change processes.
  • Data Access
  • GOFC-GOLD Themes
  • Access the Global Observation for Forest and Land Cover Dynamics Metadata
  • ESA GOFC-GOLD Land Cover Implementation Team Project Office
  • Access to Forest Cover Data and Information (Data Information Services and Systems (DISS)
  • Land Cover Validation Sites and Vegetation Continous Fields (In-situ)
  • Program Overview
• TERRESTRIAL CARBON - The Terrestrial Carbon Observation (TCO) Panel of GTOS supports the coordination of a global carbon observation system and its database.
  • Related Observations
  • Program Overview
• CLIMATE - Terrestrial Observing Panel for Climate (TOPC) was jointly established by GTOS and GCOS. TOPC is a group of scientists with expertise in climate change issues and focuses on the identification of terrestrial observation requirements.
  • Program Overview

Joint Observing Systems Programs

• The GCOS requirements for land surface climate observations have been developed jointly with those of the GTOS by the Terrestrial Observation Panel for Climate (TOPC).
  • GCOS/GTOS Joint Programs Matrix
  • GCOS/GTOS Observations for Climate

Search Tools

• GTOS Observing Networks Data Access Matrix (in the process of being upgraded)
• GCOS/GTOS Joint Programs Data Access Matrix
• Environmental Climate Variables (ECV) Data Access Matrix
• Search the GOSIC Data Registry
• Search the GTOS Metadata
• Search the Global Observation for Forest and Land Cover Dynamics Metadata
• GEOPortal
• EcoPort TEMS T.Site search
• GTOS Publications
• SIREN: Disaster Response Community Portal (About SIREN)

International Activities

GTOS undertakes and collaborates in a number of international activities, including:

• Integrated Global Observations for Land (IGOL)
• Participation in the development of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems - GEO Group on Earth Observations including leading and contribution to the implementation of the identified tasks
• Development of an international biodiversity initiative (B-GTOS)
• Assisting Conventions - Promoting synergy amongth Rio and Biodiversity-Related Conventions
  

More About GTOS

• GTOS Secretariat Home Page
• Development of Observing Requirements for GTOS Climate and non-Climate Issues
• Development of the Observing Requirements for Terrestrial Climate

Contact Information

GTOS Secretariat
Environment and Natural Resources Service (SDRN)
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Roma
Italy
Phone: +39 (06) 57056804
Fax: +39 (06) 57053369
E-mail:  gtos@fao.org

John Latham, GTOS Programme Director, +39 06 57054026

Updated November 4, 2009