President Petr Pavel opened the conference Czech Copernicus User Forum and Remote Sensing

The President today opened the two-day conference Czech Copernicus User Forum and Remote Sensing 2024, which opens the Czech Space Week festival. The extensive conference programme will offer presentations by experts and discussions on challenges and opportunities in the field of Earth observation.

The focus is on satellite data in weather forecasting, hydrological topics, security and programmes to support the development of innovative applications. The forum takes place in the historic Fantova building on Prague's main railway station and welcomes more than 250 participants from the professional and wider user community. It is organised by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) and the Ministry of Transport (MD). The conference was opened by the President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel, the Minister of Transport Martin Kupka and the Director of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute Mark Rieder.

"Satellite imagery and continuous monitoring of the situation in the atmosphere contributed to the timely prediction of the devastating floods in September this year. I would therefore like to pay tribute to our Hydrometeorological Institute for the way it helped reduce the big damage caused by the floods," said President Petr Pavel.

The forum's agenda includes the preparation of new European Earth observation programmes, including the InCubed programme to be presented by the representatives of the European Space Agency (ESA).

Another important part will be the contributions of undergraduate students who are using satellite imagery in their studies.

"The current success in the development of modern satellite technologies and data processing rises and falls with experts who understand these technologies. A sufficient number of such experts is an essential prerequisite for the success of our country in space activities. That is why in June this year we launched the national project Czech Journey to Space, which aims to inspire young people to study science and engineering," said transport minister Martin Kupka.

The forum will also offer a panel discussion on digital twins, contributions on the use of machine learning for forest monitoring, the use of satellite data for soil erosion monitoring and light pollution monitoring.

"The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute strives to continuously develop methods and approaches in its areas of expertise. One of our challenges is the use of remote sensing data. Therefore, we welcome the opportunity to take a more active role in the coordination of the National Copernicus Secretariat," said Mark Rieder, Director of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute.

During the second day of the conference, a workshop on the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) will be held. It will be accessible to all participants regardless of their previous experience and will introduce them to the practical use of this service.

Media contacts:

Czech Hydrometeorological Institute
Jan Piroch
spokesperson
+420 778 880 702

Ministry of Transport
František Jemelka
spokesperson
+420 606 068 729