Mobile app competition seeks app that will transform data into usable information, tools

The Group on Earth Observations (GEO), a global "partnership of governments and organizations", is looking for mobile applications that will make use of the 65 million data records from the archives of Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) and turn them into more digestable and usable information.

The organization launched GEO Appathon 2014, in which app developers from more than 15 countries are competing, according to a press release on Friday.

"Apps will focus on addressing environmental and societal challenges facing decision leaders and individual citizens in developing countries across nine essential areas: agriculture, biodiversity, climate, disasters, ecosystems, energy, health, water and weather," it said.

The winner will receive $20,000 worth of prizes from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Anyone from anywhere can join the competition.

"Apps can be created for any of the main operating systems, as well as open source platforms, and can be designed for any type of portable device. All Apps will be judged and the top winners will receive a cash prize and a year-long GEO network endorsement and publicity for the App. Registration for the GEO Appathon remains open through July 31st. Qualifying Apps must be received by August 31, 2014," the press release said.

"GEO Appathon 2014 is one of the critical next steps in the evolution of GEOSS to create mechanisms to readily convert data into information and tools for decision makers across society,"stated Barbara J. Ryan, Secretariat Director of GEO in the press release.

"Access to better information, in the hands of people who can use it every day, is a major step forward. This appathon goes beyond the open data movement. The aim is to turn data into decisions," added Carrie Stokes, Director of USAID’s GeoCenter in the press release.

Among the partners of this year's GEO Appathon are USAID, Esri, European Space Agency, Geospatial Media, GISCloud, Microsoft, National Research Council of Italy, and Open Geospatial Consortium, the press release said.

GEO’s current Members include 89 countries and the European Commission, the organization's About Page stated. — Kim Luces/VC, GMA News