Promoting use of Copernicus in Iceland
This action aims to initiate more use of Copernicus data and services in Iceland and raise awareness about the significant social and economic benefits that Iceland can gain from Copernicus.
Iceland is a country with many natural challenges. With its small population and relatively large area, the ability to monitor nature from space is highly beneficial. In Iceland, general knowledge of the full range of benefits that Copernicus can bring is lacking. This project aims to increase awareness and initiate use of the program and its services in Iceland. It begins with Space Iceland hosting activities during the initial stage and transition to the Natural Science Institute of Iceland for the second stage of activities.
The success of this project should raise awareness of the economic benefits of Copernicus data and services, support startups, and strengthen backing for the development of Iceland's space and remote sensing sector and the application to join the European Space Agency. The program will serve as an essential opportunity to introduce the social, academic, business, economic, and security benefits of Iceland's Copernicus membership to stakeholders.
NSII will coordinate, host, and organize regular meetings with stakeholders and potential users of the program to educate and cultivate their potential in Iceland's space and remote sensing sector. The meetings will also introduce all Copernicus-related activities in Iceland. Institutions, companies, and individuals will have the opportunity to share their knowledge, upcoming projects, and goals.
Outputs and Results
- Outreach and coverage on Copernicus and its economical, academic and public sector contributions.
- Workshops with academics and entrepreneurs.
- Workshop and talks at the annual Explorers Festival and Vísindavaka.
- Hackathon to encourage students and startups to use Copernicus data.
- Copernicus ambassador to convey opportunities and promote participation among peers.
- Greater general knowledge about Copernicus data and its contribution among stakeholders.
- NextGen work with young innovators, STEM-student’s, Secondary schools.
- Training material and guidance
- Iceland
- Europe
Supporting Material
The Explorer Festival 2022 supported the objectives of the Copernicus action in Iceland by raising public awareness of the program’s benefits and engaging key user groups—including schools and the private sector—through presentations, exhibitions, and hands-on activities. By showcasing the value of Earth observation data and space related...
QR-Code treasure hunt game in Icelandic and English for Participants of Vísindavaka to learn about the Copernicus Services.
The report summarizes the event of the Copernicus Ocean Hackathon that was held from 7-9th of February 2025 that was held in Reykjavík.
Jupyter Notebooks for beginner and intermediate users to start using Land, Marine and Atmosphere data related to Iceland.
Students and startups joined the Copernicus Ocean Hackathon in Iceland to create innovative solutions using Copernicus Marine data and services to tackle the challenges. Additionally, a Copernicus Workshop series encompassed 3 days of hands-on learning about Land, Marine and Atmosphere using Copernicus data and services.
NSII | Reykjavik & Online | English