Global geoinformation techno-logies and first of all Earth remote sensing from space, satellite-based navigation and Internet geoportals have certainly considerably changed and keep on changing our lives. A certain turnaround in the minds of people deserves mentioning: in the new world of open data it is easier to feel comfort and to actually become not only the user, but the creator of more intuitive, more intelligent and open reality! However, not everyone likes such a transparency and availability of data. There are still attempts registered to speculate on common phobias — national and personal security. How deeply Russia and its citizens will be involved in the new information space developments depends on how the society and the authorities will be capable of recognizing the new and making thoughtful decisions. Hopefully, the issue here, dedicated to open data, will allow us to make a step in the right direction.

Vladimir Gershenzon,
Editor-in-Chief,
President and CEO of ScanEx RDC

Cover story

“ERS Market. Open Data”
1. Open Remote Sensing Data — An Engine for Progress in Geoinformatics. М. Dubinin
2. Open Source Project as a Possible Business Strategy. М. Potanin
3. Open Data in Russia. I. Begtin
4. Role of Open Earth Remote Sensing Data in OpenStreetMap. I. Zverev
5. Open OGC Standards for Geodata Network Distribution. N. Mav
6. Availability of Forest Information in Russia: Current Status and the Outlook. М. Karpachevsky
7. On Remote Monitoring of Natural Fires in the Russian Federation. А. Yaroshenko
8. Multipurpose Use of Space Images for Fires Monitoring. А. Yepikhin, А. Nikitsky, N. Mitkinykh, А. Kucheiko
9. “Prirazlomnaya” Oil Platform: Satellite Monitoring of the Transportation and Installation Area. А. Kucheiko, А. Ivanov, N. Filimonova, А. Antonyuk
10. Government EO Data Sources to Soar. A. Keith
11. Europe: Realising the Necessity to Recognise Remote Sensing Data as the Common Good. C. Doldyrina

Trends 
12. Trends and Problems of Small-Size Remote Sensing Satellites. I. Afanasiyev
13. Why Does Russia Need a National Satellite System for Fire Monitoring? M. Dorofeeva, N. Pupysheva
14. Geoportal Technologies in the Work of the Moscow State University. M. Zimin, D. Botavin
15. New Capabilities of Geoportal Technologies: 3D Mapping Services. I. Farutin
16. Training Courses of ScanEx RDC on Remote Sensing Data Handling. О. Mescheryakov

Legal Relations
17. Problems in Building Russian Legal Framework for Earth Remote Sensing from Space. I. Moiseev
18. The Role of a Trade Association in EO Services Market Development. G. Sawyer
19. The “Earth from Space” Association: the Professional Community as a Vehicle for National ERS Industry. Е. Аsh