A newer and refreshed version of this website, including up to date information for accessing data and documentation, is available at
Data Console/Portal -- http://data.auscover.org.au
We may sometime soon retire this initial project website and link both www.auscover and data.auscover to the Data Console/Portal site.
AusCover
Coordinated by the CSIRO's Marine and Atmospheric Research Division, AusCover supports a nationally consistent approach to the delivery and calibration/validation of key current and future core satellite-derived datasets. The primary goal is to assist in the production of ecosystem science data products designed specifically for Australian conditions. This is done by connecting relevant remote sensing science groups and their activities, providing infrastructure to make the connection and support data collection, calibration, validation and associated technical documentation.
The physical implementation of the AusCover Data facility will provide standardised, calibrated and validated biophysical data products, delivered via a 24/7 Distributed Data Archive and Access Capability (DAAC) linked to the AusCover Portal. The DAAC comprises several regional nodes, with a central console located in Canberra, acting as the AusCover portal to TERN. The AusCover regional nodes form a national network of terrestrial remote sensing experts for data production, validation and quality control.
Primary science questions
Questions which can be addressed through use of the AusCover information, include:
- How, in space and time, have key environmental variables changed over the period of satellite image archives for Australia?
- Can we measure at regional scales the relative benefits/impacts of legislated environmental management programs on Australia's major land and coastal ecosystems?
- How accurate are each of the AusCover data sets, and what image and ground-based measurements are necessary to enable them to be used to assess natural and human induced changes or management actions in the environment?
