The aim is to demonstrate how Copernicus data can be used, in combination with other ancillary datasets (in situ data, static maps,…), to provide improved indicators for agricultural monitoring in an operational setting. Through previous discussions with and among the end users, the EAV (essential Agricultural Variable) crop calendar was identified as a suitable showcase, given its relevance in many monitoring systems, while it is currently not available at the Sentinel 1&2 resolution and at a larger scale. We will build on existing methodologies that are currently incorporated in different operational services, but with further improvements and adaptations that will be required to tackle issues that arise when monitoring agricultural areas at such a high resolution. On the other hand, because of the high resolution, parcel-level monitoring now becomes feasible in many regions of the world. This parcel-level monitoring has many advantages, which open up opportunities to also improve the definition of crop calendars with EO data. |