Brussels, 17/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - The Commission is working to improve access to satellite imagery. The ultimate aim is to encourage the commercial use of data collected by the Earth observation programme, Copernicus.
A new European directive was proposed to this end on Tuesday 17 June, on high-resolution Earth observation satellite data (HRSD). “The use of satellite imagery is an important and fast-growing business”, said Commissioner for Industry Antonio Tajani. However, HRSD are governed by different rules in different states, thereby reducing the flexibility of operators wishing to access them, which may include data resellers, data processors, value-adding service providers and software developers. Although the developing market in this field is promising, these conditions will hamper its full growth potential.
The Commission therefore wishes to establish a regulatory framework which is more conducive to the commercial use of these satellite data, which are useful in environmental monitoring, agriculture and defence, amongst other things. The draft directive proposes a common definition of HRSD, separating the regulatory data from those which can be used by companies directly. The Commission's proposal also suggests common standards to ensure transparency, legal security and fair treatment when using these data. Lastly, other common standards will govern procedures used by the member states to regulate distribution of HRSD.
Tajani said that by facilitating commercial access to satellite data, the directive would “accelerate the development of this innovative sector and the creation of new products and services. Our economy will benefit from increased competition by improving free circulation of satellite data throughout the EU”.
The European Commission anticipates that the directive will be implemented by the member states by no later than the end of 2017. However, this will also depend on the legislative procedure to be observed by the Council and the European Parliament, and its results. (MD)