The value of Earth observations

Earth observations (EO) are collected through a variety of means, including both ground based and remotely placed instruments such as satellites or Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The information from the data these instruments collect plays an important part towards both proactive disaster management and disaster response. The value of Earth observations can be both monetary and non-monetary.

For example, the value of weather forecasts for "early warning" of severe and extreme weather events is widely known and accepted; and imagery showing areas of drought or plant stress is routinely used towards proactive land management to help prevent famines and save lives. In addition, Earth observations can be used to support recovery operations, and monitor trends after a disaster, such as for example restoration of burned areas after a fire. 

Many different types of stakeholders involved in disaster management use Earth observations: first responders, humanitarian aid organisations, governments at the local, regional, and national level, as well as disaster risk professionals seeking to have a better understanding existing or future vulnerabilities to disasters.

Freely available Earth observations play a key role in facilitating its use by disaster management professionals and other stakeholders involved with disaster avoidance; while the greater spatial and temporal detail provided by privately owned imagery provides a wealth of potentially useful information to improve proactive disaster management. 

Earth observations also directly support good governance. For example, land-use imagery can help tell us whether agreements on forest management have been fulfilled; or how the vulnerability to landslides may be decreasing due to policies on land management.