A new global public information service, Eye on Earth, allowing users to create maps and visualise data on environmental issues, was launched mid-December 2011. The website brings together vast amounts of data about the environment in a visual format. The online service has been developed jointly by the European Environment Agency (EEA), an EU body and a leading environmental network and information partner, the geographic information system developer Esri and Microsoft. The web service takes the form of online maps, which can be manipulated by users. Without the need for any technical training, people can choose to add a huge variety of layers to the map. For example showing pollution, social development, economic factors, land use, transport, etc., to create new insights.
Official information providers such as national environmental institutions can upload information from their vast networks of monitoring stations. The EEA has already uploaded large amounts of data onto Eye on Earth for free and accessible use. This includes data on water, air, climate change, biodiversity and land use. Other organisations which have also uploaded data include the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC), the U.S. Geological Survey and the Abu Dhabi government. Data from new European observation satellites may also be added in the future. The web service is aimed at everyone, from scientists to academics, NGOs to individuals. Moreover, Eye on Earth does not just display data - it is also a platform where individuals and organisations can upload their measurements and observations, filling crucial gaps.
Searching for examples with the term 'energy' resulted mid-December 2011 in 243 results. For the moment many maps concern the USA. But this might change once researchers from European countries are willing to use this site to share and map their data. Through the Gallery menu-option the user gets an overview of the 'most used maps' of which several concern Europe (in particular from the EEA). There are several options to open a specific map. It might be that the option ArcGIS Explorer works for most of the users. The option you have to choose also depends on how the owner of the map created the item. Finally, one can find and join groups that focus on specific subjects. Searching for groups with the term 'energy' resulted mid-December 2011 in 33 hits.
In order to effectively make use of the site or actively make use of the maps and/or add data yourself you need to dive into the Help-file. Otherwise you probably get irritated if things do not work out the way you want, or will be disappointed by not finding what you are looking for.
For this Site of the Month item use is made of the EEA press message.
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