EURACS-practical data management

One of the aims of EURACS, which is described, is to organise microwave and ancillary data in such a way as to reduce the potential data set in the eyes of the user. The EURACS database has been developed in response to a perceived need in Europe to rationalise research into microwave remote sensing. The database is designed to store radar cross section data and associated ground cover and instrument information. The development and installation of EURACS has been commissioned by the Institute of Applications at the Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra and has been undertaken by Hunting Technical Services Ltd in association with GEC-Marconi Research Centre. EURACS has been developed as a facility for use by researchers in microwave remote sensing, to assist research into backscatter modelling, algorithm development and sensor design. The EURACS database is a store of calibrated and validated radar cross section values and associated data, covering a full range of microwave sensors and platforms. The database also contains administrative information about the researchers involved in gathering the original data. This will enable any EURACS user to attempt to obtain further data at source, using compatible and comparable methods