Dream of integrating global earth observation information
The various global problems that our society faces today, must be solved on the basis of common knowledge of the people, by providing information of the earth where we live in. Construction of GEO (Global Earth Observation) Grid system is indispensable as it promises high reliability and continuity for solving problems related to precise predictions for preservation of global environment, efficient use of energy resources, reduction of natural disasters etc. It is minimizes future risk, and helps in building a society which is safe and secure. It would not be an exaggeration to say that people around the whole world are demanding a system that might become a common base for all. However, there is not an integrated system as yet which can be used freely to handle information of enormous quantity under the present conditions.

We handle large quantities and various types of existing information as complex entangled data under different administrative bodies. It is not a simple task to construct a system keeping in mind that it must be user-friendly. But we seek to cross this "Valley of Death" and aim to realize a society that assures our future vision of a sustainable society and pursue our dream of "integrating global earth observation information". For that purpose, we are promoting GEO Grid as an important tool. Through the development of GEO Grid, a large-scale earth observation information archive is set up which can retrieve from satellite observation data to ground as well as underground information and we are aiming at the development of technology for providing safe and high speed data through an integrated service of various observation databases and GIS (Geographic Information System) data at the AIST. We are involved in merging the diverse research fields of including geology/energy/environment technology/information technology.

Anticipating Earth Observation Unification System
In the 3rd Earth Observation Summit held in Brussels in February, 2005, the ten years enforcement plan that was applied in the construction of GEOSS(Global Earth Observation System of Systems) was decided. It will be promoted by cooperation of various countries in the world including Japan. "A promotion strategy for earth observation" was decided in the general Council for Science and Technology Policy in Japan in the end of 2004 and is promoted under the cooperation of the Cabinet office, ministries and organizations (secretariat: the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.) GEO Grid is perceived as a medium of cooperation between the concerned domestic and international organizations and strong initiative of AIST is anticipated.

Steady progress of GEO Grid advancing system
To promote GEO Grid, AIST set up "Executive Committee" to decide the enforcement policy within AIST and "Steering Committee" to supervise the details of enforcement. AIST also set up "Cooperation Committee" for coordination with other organizations. In addition, subcommittees at the researcher level according to their topics were established aiming at active research exchange.
It is spreading its user network globally, focusing around Asia based on cooperation of the Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programmes in East and Southeast Asia (CCOP) that contributed for many years in the field of geology. To promote activities, we have commissioned an in-charge for long term stay in the Bangkok secretariat from April, 2007.

Towards the realization of "Geospatial information for higher practical use in society"
The contents and services which we offer are considered to be greatly useful for improvement of daily life of the people. As the characteristic of contents, it offers information related to underground geological features, resources, etc. and information about the use/maintenance/preservation of the land. It aims to contribute not only in providing two-dimensional data of the outer layer but also three and four-dimensional information introducing time axis, and also offer important information for helping decision makers to judge the infrastructure for mitigation of natural disaster, environmental preservation, usage of underground structure and so on.

Expected development of geotechnology
This web site introduces the complete picture of GEO Grid at present. Contents are limited to information mainly focusing on system summary, inquiry system for resources utilizing satellite information, geological features. It also mentions the applicable examples for reduction of volcano disaster and its conditions of spreading in Asia. We are convinced that its use will spread further through cooperation with various organizations from now on. According to the U.S.Department of Labor, information technology of the earth (Geotechnology) will be one of the three major fields alongside nanotechnology and biotechnology that will develop and create new employment and industry. In Japan, it is ranked as one of the main fields of information technology to be promoted toward "Science and technology creation nation". There is high expectation from it as a new field of information contents service.
United Nations declared 2008 as international year and activities for "international planet earth year" will be carried out for 3 years from 2007 to 2009. For sustainable future of the earth and the human, this activity is going to contribute to society by providing knowledge and technology of earth sciences. GEO Grid will become the precise system to contribute for this purpose greatly. By all means we would like to establish a clear milestone during this period