Technology

The Global Vegetation Database 3.0 is the result of state-of-the-art data processing technologies of high resolution satellite images, meteorological data and a set of advanced and specific algorithms, such as remote sensing, data processing and Information and Communication Technologies.

To secure a high quality performance of operations, validation and benchmarking are executed regularly. The data can be combined and enriched to meet the user needs. All the databases already operative are either relative or static, which means they lack time series and spatial distribution within countries. Currently none of these databases provides near real time, quantitative data and information with regard to water productivity and food production. Thanks to the high quality of the dataset the Waterwatch Cooperative can identify ‘hot spots’ worldwide where crops are affected by drought in an early stage. The data portal of the Waterwatch Cooperative (supported by leading global companies in ICT) enables the easy access, but also customized online data integration to serve the user with the requested specific and tailor-made information. The open access data portal is accessible and applicable worldwide. Via its stakeholders’ dense network of local representatives the Waterwatch Cooperative is able to support and advice the users of the database.

The Waterwatch Cooperative also has a data service unit which offers access to a wide variety of relevant data including time series ranging from dynamic meteorological data to near real time detailed vegetation data; up to static data such as administrative- and agronomic data, statistics related to food, water, agriculture and economics of all countries. Via a GeoID, the Waterwatch Cooperative data service unit can allocate a selection of each data set to a specific location on this planet. The GeoID enables an unlimited enrichment of the data with a wide variety of data sets, such as spatial, dynamic, meteorological, static and administrative data. The data can easily be allocated to corresponding territory. Thanks to the seamless zoom functionality data can be made available at different levels and scales.

A so called Water Productivity Score (WPS) (developed by eLEAF) gives an indication of current water productivity (production per volume of water (kg/cubic meter). The WPS is available for each smart pixel and it can easily and seamlessly be aggregated to regional, river basin, or country level. In addition, the data service unit can make the land productivity (yield (kg/hectare)) for specific territories and crops available. The Waterwatch Foundation secures the maintenance and quality of the Global
Vegetation Database and has severe quality guidelines regarding content, complete-
ness, up-to-datedness and coverage.