About NEOSS

The National Earth Observations and Space Secretariat (NEOSS/the Secretariat) provides coordination and mobilisation support for South Africa’s Earth observations (SA-GEO), Satellite navigations (SA-GSN) and communications (SAGSC) communities, and provides the connection between the community, the South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), regional Africa Group on Earth Observations (AfriGEO) and the global GEO and GEOSS, International Committee on GNSS and any other relevant international bodies.

NEOSS targets all the users of Earth Observations and space information and data particularly,

• The decision and/or policy makers and officials across government spheres (national, provincial, local and municipality and district)
• The Academia, researchers, and scientist that perform Earth Observations and space related assessments and analyses.
• The Commercial sector that uses or need the required EO and data to develop market related applications, products, and solutions.
• The Individuals and institutions that utilise EO products and services for various needs.

NEOSS advocates, promotes, and facilitates collaboration and networking of the Earth observations and space community in South Africa with the aim of accomplishing multiple national goals.

Mission

To be an effective and efficient secretariat and co-ordination initiative to the Earth observations, satellite communications and navigations community of South Africa.

Vision

A sustained, vibrant, collaborative, and well-coordinated Earth observations and space user community in South Africa that:

• Has open and affordable access to EO, space and other spatial data.
• Operationally uses the EO, space and other spatial data in daily pursuits of mandates and for evidence-based decision making.
• Collaborates on systems development and ICT infrastructure establishment around EO and space.
• Has sufficient skills, capacity, and competencies to exploit fully the advantages of EO and space.
• Develops and uses innovative technologies, models, systems, algorithms, and applications for societal benefit.
• Is actively involved in GEO and its GEOSS, AfriGEO and other EO and space related international frameworks.