IGOS encourages the use of modular approaches to strategies for specific components that need to be integrated. The CEOS Strategic Implementation Team is taking the lead in developing the space component of an IGOS, while the GxOS and their sponsors are preparing an in situ component. These nested processes of strategic planning at different levels of integration are an important part of the IGOS process, allowing each subsidiary group to work out the specifics at its own level. IGOS itself helps to cap and interrelate these sub-components.

The IGOS partners have adopted a thematic approach with joint planning activities to address particular categories, cross-cutting themes or domains of observations, such as oceans, disaster management, or carbon storage and cycling.

Most environmental observations come from national activities contributed by national governments through their agencies and research programmes. Their commitment is essential to the effective implementation of IGOS. Building support for and participation in observing processes at the national level is a major activity for IGOS.

Six prototype demonstration projects have shown the benefits of an integrated strategic approach:

Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (GODAE)
Upper Air Measurements; Long-term Continuity of Ozone Measurements
Global Observation of Forest Cover; Long-term Ocean Biology Measurements
Disaster Management Support

Each addresses a specific issue for an integrated observing strategy, requires a defined set of tools, associates a wide set of partners, and is expected to produce specific products or results to demonstrate the IGOS concept. These demonstration projects are now being integrated into the thematic approach to move the whole strategic process forward in a more coherent way.

Identification of gaps to be filled and activities to be strengthened is another continuing function of IGOS. The Global Observing Systems Space Panel (GOSSP) assists this process.

The IGOS process promotes awareness of the value of implementing IGOS and hence the need for resources to be made available at a relevant level. It demonstrates the benefits from integrated global observations in contributing to meeting the political objectives that have been set to improve the way we understand and manage the Earth.