The Challenges of Standardization

Standardization remains essential for interoperability in geospatial and Earth observation ecosystems, yet it faces growing challenges as data complexity and use cases expand. This talk examines current efforts across metadata (e.g. STAC and its extension-driven flexibility), raster data (e.g. CEOS-ARD), vector data (e.g. emerging approaches like Vecorel), and processing (e.g. openEO), highlighting some of the key challenges in practice. It also reflects on the interplay between formal standards bodies such as OGC and faster-moving, community-driven initiatives. Looking ahead, the talk argues for an approach that balances governance with innovation to enable practical interoperability and adoption.