Duration: 1 November 2024 – 31 October 2027
Full title of the project: EFficient exploratiOn of Climate dAta Locally
Despite the large amount of available climate data and services, access to these resources is often limited to scientists and modelling experts. The FOCAL project therefore develops an integrated platform (the FOCAL Platform) that combines intelligent workflow management with high-performance computing (HPC), data and metadata management, and tools for artificial intelligence (AI) development. This environment enables fast and efficient training and validation of innovative AI and statistical methods, supporting a deeper understanding of climate change impacts at the local level.
The project focuses on two pilot domains: urban planning and forestry. Its goal is to create a platform that allows efficient local-scale climate impact assessments using AI and HPC to analyse Earth Observation (EO) data and Earth System Modelling outputs. FOCAL also contributes new insights into key Earth system processes by integrating advanced EO data with new and existing data assimilation and modelling approaches. By exploiting diverse EO datasets, the project improves climate predictions and provides a more comprehensive view of interactions within the Earth system. This integration enables the identification of previously unrecognised patterns and feedbacks, leading to more accurate local climate models and enhanced predictive capabilities.
The platform supports the development of web-based and cloud applications in close cooperation with urban planners and foresters to ensure that the tools directly address their practical needs. At the same time, it offers reusable tools and services for developers, including small and medium-sized enterprises. The project places strong emphasis on interdisciplinary cooperation and effective sharing of innovations across sectors.
NLI’s contribution to the FOCAL project
– Leadership of the forestry pilot, from initial preparation to data evaluation
– Provision of expert field-based support and ensuring the relevance of data for forestry applications
– Representation of forestry-specific needs and support for interdisciplinary collaboration
Contact person: Ing. Lenka Lehnerová, Ph.D., Lenka.Lehnerova@nli.gov.cz
Project website: www.focal-euproject.eu
