Labeling Geo-Referenced Information in Support of Data Sharing and the Facilitating of Societal Benefits of Earth Observations

The rapid development of analysis tools, such as Geographic Information Systems and web-based tools for viewing, accessing, and analyzing of geo-referenced information, and the growing abundance of openly available Earth observations will increase the already large dependency of science and society on georeferenced information. However, most geo-referenced information comes without sufficient information on quality and applicability. The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) has embarked on establishing a so-called GEO Label that would provide easy-to-understand, globally available information on aspects of quality, user rating, relevance, and fit-for-usage of the products and services accessible through the Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS). There is a wide range of potential goals for the GEO Label including an attractive incentive for involvement; promotion of data sharing; creating trustworthiness; and providing information on usage. Here we propose a tri-faceted label that combines quality, user feedback, and relevance.