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Following a Membership Campaign, the EARSC Board is glad to welcome 2 new Companies in our Association: Aratos Technologies S.A. and DMC International Imaging

On EARSC behalf, we are certain that new Members will contribute actively to the aims of EARSC enthusiastically involved in coordinating and strengthening the Earth-observation chain and promoting the European Earth observation industry in programmes such as GMES and GEOSS.

Up to now, EARSC has grown 50% in 2005, which encourage us in the Board of Directors to continue to do our best to fulfill the tasks that you as members could expect of the association. On EARSC behalf, Welcome!

More information about new members at:

Aratos Technologies S.A.

Aratos Technologies S.A. was founded in 1995 and is one of the first European downstream value-added services company in the space sector. We carry out value added services in the areas of Environmental Protection, Land Use and Urban Planning, Disaster Management, Agricultural sector monitoring and Security using space and satellite technologies. The scientific resources, the experience of our experts and the know-how of the company satisfy all customer needs, ensuring excellent quality of service. Aratos Technologies S.A. is certified with ISO 9001:2000.

More info at ARATOS website

DMC International Imaging

DMCii is a UK company specialising in satellite remote sensing, and in the unique position of coordinating a constellation of international satellites for commercial imaging campaigns and international disaster response, DMCii works with a range of end-users in Europe and GMES. DMCii supplies commercial imaging services with programmed multispectral imagery at 22 and 32metres gsd from the DMC wide-swath imagers on the 6 satellites in the DMC constellation, and very high resolution panchromatic data of 2.8 and 4metres gsd from the Topsat and Beijing-1 satellites. DMCii specialises in the rapid and timely supply of satellite imagery for precision agriculture services, and in the provision of value-added forest monitoring services, especially in difficult tropical rainforest regions. It has imaged the Brazilian Amazon since 2005, and is currently working across Africa and Indonesia.

More info at DMCii

Please find next a brief summary of the November Information day meetings on the European Earth Observation programme (GMES) and its initial operations (2011-2013) where the current space GMES-regulation has been discussed with EARSC and NEREUS in two different events with some Members of European Parliament on 04 November 2009.


EARSC EVENT

The European Association of Remote Sensing Companies, EARSC has organized an information lunch with Members of European Parliament in Brussels last 04th November 2009. The event was a first step to enhance the dialogue with some Members of the European Parliament and service provider’s representatives. Besides introducing the Association and its mission, EARSC launched a debate on the current space GMES regulation and has provided the view of the European Service Provider Industry on the importance of the European Earth Observation Program GMES and its initial operations 2011–2013 (GIO). Policy-technical advisors from ENVI, ITRE, BUDG and TRANS Committees, Industry Cabinet, GMES Bureau and the environmental agency as user of GMES, also played a key role in formulating opinion and illustrating that further dialogue should be established.

The regulation aims at providing legal and financial mechanisms for the GMES program and EC funding of GMES initial operations so that operational services can be stepped up at a larger scale in the beginning of the next decade (2011 – 2013). It is focused on emergency response services, land monitoring services as well as auxiliary activities including e.g. measures supporting the take-up of services by users; data access and GMES space component. The financial volume of the proposed regulation is 150 Mio. EUR, 43 Mio. EUR will be FP7-budget, (co-operation program: space priority) while 107 Mio. EUR will be financed by appropriations within the Community Budget.

EARSC recommendations were based on the following

• To the European Parliament
– Decide positively on the GIO Regulation of the EC
– Establish a midterm budget framework enabling industry a reliable planning and investment

• To the European Commission

– Establish a efficacious i.e. simple governance structure corresponding to the needs and reality of the GMES application fields
– Extension of integration of Downstream services via existing structures – e.g. EARSC / NEREUS
– Avoid “unfair” conditions/competition through Public service providers and
– Price dumping through e.g. production of strategic geo-information outside Europe -> key words quality/price competition and reliability

EARSC looks forward to seeing the above points recognised and mediating measures implemented so that the ambitions of GMES can be realised. Without these, the programme risks remaining focused on research, and the substantial wealth-creating opportunities for Europe will not be realised.

EARSC is currently preparing a harmonized statement on the most crucial points of the regulation on “GMES Initial Operations 2011 – 2013 (Content)” and GMES Data and Information’s Policy” which will be delivered in time before the next discussion on the GIO regulation.

EARSC will follow up the established contact and will present service providers industry views on the achievements, challenges and future needs of the European Programme on Utilization of Space-based Information – GMES!

EARSC presentation has been included at the following link

http://www.earsc.eu/news/earsc-information-day-on-the-european-earth-observation-programme-gmes-and-its-initial-operations-2011-2013-04nov2009

NEREUS EVENT

NEREUS has also established links with MEPs during a evening event in Brussels last 17th November. The information link is provided next:

http://www.earsc.eu/news/nereus-evening-with-members-of-european-parliament-on-17-november-2009-in-the-european-parliament-in-brussels-belgium

Content for publication is welcomed and can be submitted at any time for consideration. Let us help you bring your article to the world.


Please feel free to suggest any news, study and successful cases, events, projects, blogs or other geoinformation content items that you deem relevant for our community and interested stakeholders. This will enable us to share important knowledge and expertise networking among other experts who will exchange their know-how.

EOmag is released every three months, with focus articles on members, news in depth features, achievements, progress reports on programmes, communication and partnership with organisations and events.

The distribution of the Newsletter is based on our stakeholders database (Industry and relevant Institutions worldwide interested in geo-information domain).

The Newsletter is an excellent platform for companies and organizations to communicate on actions and programmes related to geo-information.

Articles:
We would be happy to publish all relevant articles for companies/institutions (max 1000-word articles, preferably with illustrations) for the next issues of the Newsletter

Events:
In order to improve the information offered about the activities of our stakeholders, we are collecting basic data concerning all the already scheduled events. For the purpose, we kindly ask companies and institutions to
provide the following information about each event:

Start Date
End Date
Title
Web
Place – City and Country

Please send this information to EARSC secretariat always stating [Events] as the beginning of your message description at the subject box, in order to help managing and archiving. Since it is intended to keep this list as much updated as possible, please remind to inform Secretariat every time a new event is scheduled.

Optional Information:
Theme
Description
Language
E-mail contact

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to “secretariat-at-earsc.org”:

Many thanks in advance
EARSC secretariat

EARSC is a non-profit-making organisation created in 1989. The mission of EARSC is to foster the development of European Geo-Information Service Industry. Our main objective is to stimulate a sustainable market for geo-information services using EO data, which is openly accessible to all members.

We all know quite well that it took many more years for the market itself to mature pushing many to forget some of their illusions on the way. However realizing that maturity and market expansion could only happen little by little in this complex domain EARSC has been sticking to its goal of helping develop the European remote sensing industry, reaching today 80 members, and being a recognized association worldwide. All the major European industrial actors of remote sensing are EARSC members and are involved in numerous ways to foster the development of the domain together with European institutions. Lately the EARSC strategy has evolved one step further to account for the geospatial information revolution of the 21st century.

EARSC is representing the European providers of geo-information services in its broadest sense creating a network between industry, decision makers and users. It is a crucial stage of maturing of the sector as nowadays Earth observation is used more frequently by society and adds positive value to our daily lives.

At the same time, an active participation from all of our members is the best guarantee that EARSC will play an important role on the European Earth observation and geo-information arena. For our members, the annual membership dues are a cost-effective way to stay informed, promote their company, political and institutional representation, networking opportunities with industry players and help to support the future of geo-information Industry: “industry stakeholders together could transform activities into meaningful action on behalf of our sector”.

Internally EARSC informs and involves its members though the website, newsletter, directorate and the organization of more numerous events. This will allow us to be more present on the European and International scene and to contribute more efficiently to the implementation of European programmes.

To get more information on EARSC membership, please contact us at

EARSC membership

EARSC membership represents the entire spectrum of the Earth Observation industry including all sector chain: providers, stakeholders and users. Membership of EARSC is currently 500 Euros per annum. For our members, the annual membership dues are a cost-effective way to stay informed, promote their company, political and institutional representation, networking opportunities with industry players and help support the future of Earth Observation. Industry together could transform activities into meaningful action on behalf of our sector

Full Members
Any commercial European company or partnership offering and undertaking consulting and contracting services or supplying equipment in the field of remote sensing which is based in a European Country which contributes to the European Space Agency or which is a member of the European Community shall be eligible for membership.

Observer Members
Companies from countries associated to European programs but not eligible for full membership. Any active representative organization, institution or association party in the field of Earth observation and not engaged in commercial or profit-making activities such as Public/Governmental Bodies, International Organisation, International Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Private Non Profit Organisation/Foundation, Network/Association/Aggregation of Intermediaries(profit or non profit), Business Association, Universities, other?) with interest in Earth Observation.

(Source EARSC)

The EARSC BoD is set to re-launch the process to recruit a Secretary General as was announced at the AGM in June 2009. The results of the Eovox 1 study and the first findings in Eovox 2 will inform the board in its quest to find the right person for the association. Members and stakeholders are invited to promote any candidates of whom they may be aware.


The European Association of Remote Sensing Companies (EARSC), based in Brussels, is inviting applications for the position of Secretary General.

Overall, the Secretary-General will have the goal to promote awareness of the EO sector (including geo-information) and create/enable new business opportunities in particular with European and International public sector organisations. Their main Responsibilities will be to:

Responsibilities:
• Promote EARSC activities and image
• Raise awareness of EARSC, its members and the sector
• Represent EARSC towards European, National and International Institutions

Main tasks:
• Develop and maintain contacts with decision takers as well as those responsible for implementing the actions of public authorities.
• Drive EARSC events, workshops, etc.
• Run the activities of the Association including Working Groups
• Federate views amongst EARSC members and establishing commonly agreed positions.
• Write position papers on behalf of the Association

Administration:
• Organise meetings and keep official filing of Minutes of Meeting and other official documents; i.e. BoD records.
• Ensure EARSC compliance with legal obligations (AGM, VAT, accounting, etc.)

Preferably based in, or within easy reach of, Brussels, he or she will report to the EARSC Board of Directors (BoD).

Competencies and Skills:
• Established network in GMES and EO institutional community
• Capable of working independently to meet the organization objectives
• Excellent communications skills, both written and oral, in English. Any other European language is a plus.
• The applicant must have more than ten years experience in the remote sensing business as well as in Earth Observation international programs. Moreover a very good knowledge of the European Union and European Space Agency policies and programs is desired.

Deadline for expression of interest: April 30th 2010

Part time position

Applications including (Letter of Interest and candidate CV. Short list of referees is welcome) must be sent to:
Email Ref: [EARSC SG 2010]
Att. Mrs Mónica Miguel-Lago
EARSC Executive Secretary
Email: secretariat_at_earsc.org

Content for publication is welcomed and can be submitted at any time for consideration. Let us help you bring your article to the world.

EOmag is released every three months, with focus articles on members, news in depth features, achievements, progress reports on programmes, communication and partnership with organisations and events.

The distribution of the Newsletter is based on our stakeholders database (Industry and relevant Institutions worldwide interested in geo-information domain).

The Newsletter is an excellent platform for companies and organizations to communicate on actions and programmes related to geo-information.

Articles:
We would be happy to publish all relevant articles for companies/institutions (max 1000-word articles, preferably with illustrations) for the next issues of the Newsletter

Events:
In order to improve the information offered about the activities of our stakeholders, we are collecting basic data concerning all the already scheduled events. For the purpose, we kindly ask companies and institutions to
provide the following information about each event:

Start Date
End Date
Title
Web
Place – City and Country

Please send this information to EARSC secretariat always stating [Events] as the beginning of your message description at the subject box, in order to help managing and archiving. Since it is intended to keep this list as much updated as possible, please remind to inform Secretariat every time a new event is scheduled.

Optional Information:
Theme
Description
Language
E-mail contact

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to “secretariat-at-earsc.org”:

Many thanks in advance
EARSC secretariat

EARSC is a non-profit-making organisation created in 1989. The mission of EARSC is to foster the development of European Geo-Information Service Industry. Our main objective is to stimulate a sustainable market for geo-information services using EO data, which is openly accessible to all members.

We all know quite well that it took many more years for the market itself to mature pushing many to forget some of their illusions on the way. However realizing that maturity and market expansion could only happen little by little in this complex domain EARSC has been sticking to its goal of helping develop the European remote sensing industry, reaching today 80 members, and being a recognized association worldwide. All the major European industrial actors of remote sensing are EARSC members and are involved in numerous ways to foster the development of the domain together with European institutions. Lately the EARSC strategy has evolved one step further to account for the geospatial information revolution of the 21st century.

EARSC is representing the European providers of geo-information services in its broadest sense creating a network between industry, decision makers and users. It is a crucial stage of maturing of the sector as nowadays Earth observation is used more frequently by society and adds positive value to our daily lives.

At the same time, an active participation from all of our members is the best guarantee that EARSC will play an important role on the European Earth observation and geo-information arena. For our members, the annual membership dues are a cost-effective way to stay informed, promote their company, political and institutional representation, networking opportunities with industry players and help to support the future of geo-information Industry: “industry stakeholders together could transform activities into meaningful action on behalf of our sector”.

Internally EARSC informs and involves its members though the website, newsletter, directorate and the organization of more numerous events. This will allow us to be more present on the European and International scene and to contribute more efficiently to the implementation of European programmes.

To get more information on EARSC membership, please contact us at

EARSC membership

EARSC membership represents the entire spectrum of the Earth Observation industry including all sector chain: providers, stakeholders and users. Membership of EARSC is currently 500 Euros per annum. For our members, the annual membership dues are a cost-effective way to stay informed, promote their company, political and institutional representation, networking opportunities with industry players and help support the future of Earth Observation. Industry together could transform activities into meaningful action on behalf of our sector

Full Members
Any commercial European company or partnership offering and undertaking consulting and contracting services or supplying equipment in the field of remote sensing which is based in a European Country which contributes to the European Space Agency or which is a member of the European Community shall be eligible for membership.

Observer Members
Companies from countries associated to European programs but not eligible for full membership. Any active representative organization, institution or association party in the field of Earth observation and not engaged in commercial or profit-making activities such as Public/Governmental Bodies, International Organisation, International Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Private Non Profit Organisation/Foundation, Network/Association/Aggregation of Intermediaries(profit or non profit), Business Association, Universities, other?) with interest in Earth Observation.

(Source EARSC)

Following the AGM, we held a well-received seminar on the oil and gas industry, also extending into related areas such as renewable energy, and how remote sensing can be used in this sector.

The event included presentations on the oil and gas sector from Han Wensink; on energy security and European energy policies from Henryk Faas of the JRC energy security unit; on the Renewable Energy Directive from Lucie Tesnière of the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC); and on developing EO activities in the energy industry, from Stephen Coulson of ESA. EARSC has for many years helped its members expand their business with public sector bodies such as ESA and the EC, and with this event on oil & gas we marked an important additional focus on helping our members expand into new commercial sectors.

The seminar concluded with a round-table panel discussion, with several key points made. One important message was that EARSC should start building bridges with trade/industry associations in other commercial sectors, to help explore the use of EO in those sectors. Another important point which received strong support around the table was that the industry needs a set of recognised “best practices” that would help suppliers and services be more readily accepted in new market sectors. This is again something EARSC can contribute to, with ESA as an important partner.

As announced at the AGM, EARSC plans to step up its activities in helping its members expand EO services into more non-traditional areas and market sectors.

EARSC has been in discussions with ESA over the last several months to gain ESA’s support for a number of new EARSC activities in this direction, and we are close to agreeing a set of activities.

These will include:

*Producing position papers on various topics of relevance to our industry, engaging experts from different market sectors to tell us what the geo-information needs are in that sector, and what we need to do in order to better promote our capabilities and services towards those sectors.

*Related to the above, producing promotional materials publicising EO services and the capabilities of European EO service providers, targeted at and customised for specific new market sectors.

*Producing a trade directory for our industry – to provide details of companies active in EO value-adding services across Europe, with details on the services each company is able to provide, organised by thematic domain, geographical coverage, and location so as to be easily searchable by potential customers.

*Organising trade missions open to all EARSC members to participate in. These will provide a significant opportunity for EARSC members to present their capabilities to new customers, and also to network and establish contact with key individuals and stakeholders in those sectors. One of these trade missions is likely to be to the World Bank in Washington, with a second still to be decided.

In support of these activities, we warmly encourage all EARSC members to come up with fresh ideas and input for EARSC to take forward. The EARSC secretariat will keep you informed of ways to get engaged in the process. Your active participation will add value to the association and bring greater benefit to all of our members and the industry as a whole.