
What is the Copernicus Programme?
The Copernicus program, initiated by the European Union, provides accurate and timely data on Earth’s environment. Utilizing a network of satellites and ground-based systems, it monitors climate change, land, sea, and air conditions, supporting sustainable development and enhancing public safety across Europe and globally
Iceland and Copernicus

FPCUP, or the Framework Partnership Agreement on Copernicus User Uptake, is an initiative funded by the European Union. It aims to initiate more use of Copernicus data and services in Iceland and raise awareness about social and economical benefits that Iceland can get from Copernicus.

CAMS NCP Iceland aims to enhance Iceland’s air quality monitoring and public awareness of environmental challenges like dust storms and volcanic ash. By integrating CAMS data with in-situ measurements, the project provides valuable insights into atmospheric conditions.

CORINE is a Copernicus initiative focused on land cover mapping across Europe. It provides detailed data on land use changes, crucial for environmental planning and monitoring. Iceland participates in CORINE by contributing data on its unique landscapes, aiding in tracking changes due to natural events and human activities.
Opportunities

See iceland from above, learn about the changes and discover new perspectives in the Copernicus archive.
Find the image of the day here.

Explore Copernicus services related to Iceland and discover how satellite data helps us understand and protect our environment, nature, and planet. Start your journey today!

Copernicus, powered by Sentinel satellites, provides real-time data on floods, droughts, fires, and volcanic eruptions, enabling rapid response and long-term resilience planning by delivering accurate, actionable insights during natural disasters.
Example: Holuhraun eruption 2014

Find out more how Copernicus is promoted through the FPCUP initiative. It is active in Iceland and around the globe to help users to start using Copernicus data and services.

Many opportunities are available through Copernicus to learn, develop, get support and funding for your project and ideas.

CASSINI is a European Union initiative that supports entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs in the space industry during the period 2021-2027. It covers all areas of the EU space program and includes a €1 billion growth fund, hackathons, prizes, an accelerator, and networking opportunities.
News from Iceland
- Nýi Wekeo Light vafrinnMöguleikinn á að skoða Copernicus-gögnin frá nýju sjónarhorni er kominn! Nýi Wekeo Light vafrinn gerir notendum kleift að kanna gagnasöfn Copernicus með áður óþekktri einfaldleika. Check it out here: The… Read more: Nýi Wekeo Light vafrinn
- New ERA explorer app is hereCheck it out here: ERA Explorer. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has launched the ERA Explorer app, providing Icelanders with easy access to over 85 years of global climate… Read more: New ERA explorer app is here
- Successful HackathonEnglish The Copernicus Ocean Hackathon 2025 in Iceland was a success. With around 60 participants, both on site and online the teams have tackled some hard challenges using Copernicus data.… Read more: Successful Hackathon
- Copernicus Ocean Hackathon 2025Taktu þátt í Copernicus Ocean Hakkaþon í Reykjavík þann föstudaginn 7. febrúar 2025! Meira um Hakkaþon
- Copernicus In SituThe Copernicus Services rely on a wide range of environmental data collected by external providers, including observations from ground-based, sea-borne, and air-borne monitoring systems, as well as geospatial reference data… Read more: Copernicus In Situ
News – Copernicus & ESA
- Earth from Space: Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Biomass fully loaded
- Weather, climate and air quality missions on display
- Earth from Space: The shrinking Aral Sea
- OBSERVER: Six reasons not to miss EU Space Days 2025 in Gdańsk
- Earth Observation Excellence Award 2025 winners
- How hidden lakes threaten Antarctic Ice Sheet stability
- Mandalay rupture
- Biomass cleared for fuelling
- Come celebrate with us ESA’s 50th anniversary! Apply to the Space Policy in Action training course