GMES

GMES stands for Global Monitoring for Environment and Security. It is a European initiative aimed at providing reliable information to policy makers and public authorities for environmental and security management. The program utilizes a vast network of satellites, ground-based sensors, and in-situ data to collect comprehensive environmental information. GMES has evolved into a key component of the European Union's Earth observation program, now known as Copernicus.

The primary objective of GMES/Copernicus is to deliver timely, accurate, and consistent data about the Earth's environment. This data supports a wide range of applications, including climate change monitoring, disaster management, maritime surveillance, and land use planning. By providing this critical information, GMES helps European countries and international partners to make informed decisions related to environmental protection, resource management, and security challenges.

The program's infrastructure comprises several dedicated satellite missions, known as Sentinel satellites, which are designed to monitor different aspects of the Earth system. These satellites are complemented by data from other contributing missions and terrestrial observation networks. The data collected is processed and made accessible through a network of service providers, offering products and services tailored to specific user needs. GMES, as part of Copernicus, plays a vital role in understanding and addressing global environmental changes and enhancing our capacity to respond to crises.