About GEO

The Group for Earth Observation

GEO's background has arisen from the perceived need to enable amateur reception of the new generation of weather and earth imaging satellites which are already in orbit or planned for launch in the near future. Eumetsat's MSG-1, with its spectacular images of Earth every 15 minutes, is an example of the latest satellite being received by the Group's members. The people leading this Group have experience in amateur radio, electronics, meteorology, oceanography, satellites, computing and publishing: hence they are a very strong and competent team. They are quoted as saying they just wish to share their skills freely with other amateurs.

GEO is managed by, in alphabetical order; David Anderson, Frank Bell, Nigel Evans, Clive Finnis, Ray Godden, Peter Green, Les Hamilton, David Painter, David Simmons, David Taylor, John Tellick and Peter Wakelin. Others who have relevant expertise will be invited to be involved as GEO develops.

This new Group intends to support amateur and educational users quite independently of any single equipment manufacturer. Advice about equipment and software from a range of sources will be available to members and there are plans for publishing construction projects.

GEO organises symposiums. The first was in May 2004, there has been one every year since then - the most recent in May 2007. The programmes included workshops for total beginners and for the more advanced users of MSG-1. A big bonus for those attending is free access to the Centre's spectacular exhibition area. Full details are published in the GEO Quarterly and on this website.
Last year, 2007, there was a GEO visit to EUMETSAT's headquarters at Darmstadt which was very succesful.

As home computers become more widespread it is expected there will be a steady influx of people new to the weather satellite hobby so every effort will be made to cater for the absolute beginner as well as those with more experience and a sense of adventure. The Group recognises the long and distinguished contributions that amateurs have made in the use of RF over the past 100 years and wish to continue this tradition using truly amateur skills in the area of satellite reception and image processing.

The Group publishes a quality quarterly magazine. It has colour images, advice and commentary about the latest Earth imaging satellites and other developments. Twenty four issues have been published so far - the next is due in March 2010. Other resources available to new members will be computer software, equipment advice and support from other members. They have an existing library of interesting CD-ROMs covering Earth imaging and space. These were originally published by BNSC. New members will receive these automatically.

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