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Measuring what matters

Australia’s future is closely tied to the health of our environment. From climate and weather to oceans, air quality and ecosystems, informed decisions depend on trusted environmental information.

Environmental Observing Systems (EOS) is the national capability within CSIRO that designs, builds and operates Australia’s critical environmental observing infrastructure, delivering the data Australia relies on to adapt, respond and plan for change.

What we do

EOS brings together science, engineering and technology to observe Australia’s atmosphere, oceans and ecosystems.

  • Design and operate long term environmental observing networks across Australia and its surrounding oceans
  • Deploy advanced technologies, including autonomous platforms and real time monitoring systems
  • Transform measurements and samples into trusted, quality controlled data
  • Maintain nationally unique calibration, data and sample archives to ensure accuracy and continuity

Our focus is simple: Measure what matters - to support responsible stewardship of Australia’s environment.

Why it matters

Environmental change often begins where we can’t easily see it, deep in the ocean, high in the atmosphere, or in remote regions. EOS helps detect early signals of change, providing lead time for smarter decisions and effective action.

Our observations support:

  • Early warning of extreme weather, marine events and environmental risks
  • Evidence based policy, planning and emergency response
  • Sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems
  • National and international climate and environmental commitments

As environmental pressures grow, the need for timely, trusted information has never been greater. Environmental Observing Systems ensures Australia is equipped with the evidence needed to build resilience, adapt to change and protect our environment for future generations.

Case Studies

Underway data collection

From our weather research radar above to our echosounder below, underway data is collected continuously on RV Investigator from an array of distributed sensors on board.

An underwater observatory keeping the pulse of the Southern Ocean for nearly 30 years yields fresh results

In a world affected by climate change, the Southern Ocean plays an outsized role.

Saildrone

CSIRO and ocean technology start-up Saildrone are collaborating to deploy state-of-the-art unmanned marine monitoring vehicles to study our oceans and climate.

Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE)

The Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) is an international network of atmospheric observing stations and associated laboratory, calibration and atmospheric modelling infrastructure, that is supported by a consortium of multinational institutions and organizations.

Research and impact

Oceanographic Calibration Facility

Our Oceanographic Calibration Facility offers precise, high accuracy calibration of oceanographic instrumentation with a level of accuracy consistent with world’s best practice.

50 years measuring the world’s cleanest air

Australia marks 50 years of monitoring the worlds cleanest air in remote northwest Tasmania at Kennaook / Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station, supporting global efforts to track human-driven changes to the atmosphere.

GASLab/AGGON

The Global Atmospheric Sampling LABoratory (GASLAB) and Australian Greenhouse Gas Observation Network (AGGON) programs maintain atmospheric monitoring networks with a focus on the main anthropogenic greenhouse gases.