Connected International Programs & Observing Initiatives

Internationally coordinated observing systems form the backbone of SOOS and are fundamental to our mission to ensure sustained collection and delivery of observational data. SOOS has strong connections to many intergovernmental, international programs, observing systems, and initiatives. SOOS works with these organisations to achieve common objectives and to provide support and advocacy for continuation of their important work. 

Further, several programmes exist that facilitate and coordinate the planning, organisation, collection, and management of observational data. National funding in support of these initiatives make a significant contribution to the coverage of data required in an observing system. These coordination programmes also make enormous contribution to quality control and management of data, as well as ensuring the continuation and enhancement of funding for these observational activities. These programs make significant progress each year towards an integrated and sustained SOOS.

The list below outlines the key communities that SOOS connects to and works with towards common objectives, and lists key international observing communities that contribute to a sustained SOOS.