Training on eStation v3: Advancing Access to Environmental Data in Africa

From October 14 to 18, 2024, IGAD organized an online training on the latest version of the eStation software, version 3, targeting system administrators in Africa. This training, available online, also offers a unique opportunity for anyone wishing to self-train on this innovative system, which democratizes access to environmental data from Earth observation.




Introduction

The GMES & Africa program fulfilled its Pan-African mandate by building the capacities of nearly 200 African institutions. It provided them with the necessary resources to access Earth observation data, exploit derived services, or develop new ones, particularly in the fields of water, natural resources, and marine and coastal zones.

Decided by mutual agreement between the African and European Unions, and in line with the AU Agenda 2063 and the African Space Policy and Strategy, this initiative promotes sustainable and climate-resilient economies and communities. This is achieved through better management of terrestrial and marine natural resources, leveraging Earth observation data.

The MESA and GMES stations, at the heart of this initiative, ensure and improve access to satellite data across the continent. Since 2007, through the successive implementation of the AMESD, MESA, and GMES & Africa programs, 153 stations have been installed within national institutions across Africa.

Under the GMES & Africa program, ICPAC, in collaboration with the Joint Research Centre (JRC), provides technical support to ensure that the MESA stations remain operational.

Justification

Version 3.0 of the eStation, recently released by the JRC, represents a major advancement. It allows users to visualize, analyze, and exploit climate and environmental datasets through enhanced features:
  • Automatic data acquisition via Internet sources.
  • Integration of Jupyter Notebook and the IMPACT toolbox for data analysis, processing, and visualization.

Available Versions of eStation

  1. Physical version: Consisting of a satellite data reception antenna and 1 to 3 connected computers. This version was the focus of this training session.
  2. Online version: Provides access to many of the features of the physical version.
  3. Downloadable version: The software can be installed on a computer running Linux OS.

Access to Recordings and Presentations


Learn More

For an overview of the features and concepts of the eStation, visit:


ICPAC is the leader of one of the 12 consortia that have benefited from the financial and technical support of the G&A Program. This consortium is active in East Africa, in the field of terrestrial natural resource management. Further information, https://www.icpac.net/our-projects/gmes/ and https://gmes.icpac.net/


Source: Allan Oware, IGAD.INT, with thanks.




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