Created in 1990, SUCOSIP is a group of experts in site characterization from different user institutions. Its role is twofold, to promote and share actions regarding the studies and monitoring of the atmosphere and to care for preserving the quality of the atmosphere for astronomy.

SUCOSIP advises the CCI on future installations or actions at the Canary Island Observatories that may compromise the quality of the observations. In particular, before the CCI approval, new facilities to be installed at the ORM or the OT should be presented and discussed in the SUCOSIP, which will report to the CCI with their assessment.

In addition, at the SUCOSIP meetings, the different members share the activities they are carrying out to measure, and protect the astronomical quality of the observatories.
SUCOSIP meets once or twice every year always in coincidence with the CCI meetings.

The committee is chaired by the IAC, the institution responsible for the care and good use of the Canarian Observatories.

As using lasers supporting the observations became more extended, SUCOSIP created a specific working group for these matters (Laser-WG). Related issues are dealt with separately in the Laser-WG for technical discussions. Two members of Sucosip are also part of the laser -WG. The Laser WG meets when needed and does not have regular scheduled meetings.