index.qmd

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# Welcome to the APEx Documentation Portal

Application Propagation Environment (APEx) is a European Space Agency (ESA) initiative that aims to facilitate the
uptake of Earth Observation (EO) data and services.

It brings significant benefits to various stakeholders involved in the EO ecosystem. By facilitating a structured
approach to dynamic instantation of working environments, algorithm onboarding, enhancement, and sharing, APEx serves to
boost the reusability and impact of EO-based research outcomes. The following sections outlines the different features
and capabilities that APEx provides to different stakeholders.

## For users

* **Curated list of EO services**\
  APEx curates a catalog of earth observation services in
  its [APEx Algorithm Services Catalogue](propagation/onboarding.md#apex-algorithm-catalogue), that generate value-added
  products on demand. These services can include capabilities such as deforestation, floods or generate higher level
  information. These services are built and maintained by various EO projects, which guarantees that they have gone
  through an extensive review and validation process. Additionally, advanced APEx tooling continuously monitors these
  services to ensure that they remain available, even after the initial project has ended.

* **Service compatibility with existing cloud platforms**\
  Each onboarded service in the catalogue complies with a set
  of [Interoperability and Compliance Guidelines](interoperability/algohosting.md). This ensures that these services can
  be seamlessly reused on existing platforms and integrated into APEx-compliant technologies, such as openEO or OGC
  Application Packages.

[//]: # (For more information on how to invoke these services, please refer to [EO service usage](./eo_service_usage.qmd).)

## For EO Projects

For EO projects, APEx provides a wide range of services that support project execution and ensure that results remain
accessible even after project completion.

* **Dynamic Instantiation of Software and Tools**\
  APEx can support your project by offering access to essential IT components. These include project websites, data
  visualization tools, workspaces, and development environments — all dynamically instantiated for your project to use.
  Learn more about APEx Instantiation Services and how to customize them to fit your project’s specific requirements.

* **Support for Service Development**\
  During your project, APEx assists in developing efficient on-demand services through
  its [propagation services](./propagation/index.qmd). These services can support your project with maintaining
  continuous availability, enhancing, and upscaling EO algorithms. Explore detailed instructions on leveraging
  interoperability standards like openEO and OGC Application Package to develop and onboard algorithms with
  best-practice interoperability. Additionally, explore how APEx can provide access guidance on improving algorithm
  performance, facilitating intercomparison exercises for scientific accuracy, and implementing cloudification
  strategies for existing toolboxes.

## For EO platforms providers

* **Guidelines for ensuring compliance with ESA projects**\
  APEx provides clear [guidelines](interoperability/algohostingenv.md) that enable platform providers to prepare their
  systems for hosting and executing EO services developed by ESA projects. By adhering to these guidelines, you can
  ensure that your platform is aligned with ESA's standards and ready for seamless integration in upcoming projects.

* **Increased activity and visibility**\
  By making your platform compliant with APEx, you can attract more users as it will be promoted as an APEx-compliant
  platform. This compliance not only enhances your platform's visibility but also makes your offerings more appealing to
  other projects.