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This is chapter 3 of the State of Environmental Science in Svalbard (SESS) report 2021. Three actions are required to improve terrestrial photography applications in Svalbard, according to the SESS report recommendations. The first one is focused on maintaining the dataset on terrestrial photography applications in Svalbard, widening the range of involved disciplines. The second one is aimed at defining a harmonised protocol based on established experience and describing guidelines for developing novel applications with a network perspective. Finally, exploring integration with remotely sensed data, it is possible to highlight potential ways of solving multi-scale gaps by combining ground based and remotely sensed data. This novel knowledge highlights even more the need for a strategic network of terrestrial cameras located in key locations where different disciplines could benefit from the description of snow cover evolution during the melting seasons.

This is chapter 10 of the State of Environmental Science in Svalbard (SESS) report 2020 (https://sios-svalbard.org/SESS_Issue3). Ground-based observations are critical requirements for many disciplines that are trying to monitor climate change in a remote environment such as the Svalbard archipelago. This overview of cameras operating in Svalbard has been compiled by searching for specific applications that monitor the snow cover and by collecting information about images that can be accessed on the internet, including those not solely dedicated to cryospheric research. The survey identified 43 cameras operating in the region that are managed by research institutions and private companies. These cameras include facilities operated by different nationalities. The datasets vary, but the feasibility of using them to determine fractional snow cover is generally limited. Identifying the key metadata necessary to survey the available devices revealed problems and knowledge gaps that prevent using the full potential of terrestrial photography networks in Svalbard.