Earth observation satellites measure changes on Earth. This provides a wealth of useful information. Scientists use earth observation data to conduct research on land, water, air, ice, and climate. Government organizations use earth observation data for inspections, detection, and monitoring. And companies develop satellite applications with added value for our society.

The possibilities of Earth observation data are endless. Some examples:

• NVWA – combines Earth observation data, aerial photographs, and drone footage to dispatch inspectors more efficiently.
• Municipality of Amsterdam – measures the number of trees in neighborhoods and whether this complies with municipal green space policy.
• Delfland Water Board – studies the water quality of swimming lakes.
• Rijkswaterstaat – plans maintenance of critical infrastructure using data on ground movement.
• Municipality of Nissewaard – keeps its Basic Registration of Addresses and Buildings up to date.
• Province of South Holland – studies the effect of nitrogen measures on the dunes along the North Sea coast.

Advantages earth observation data

Satellites explore the Earth from a unique perspective:

• Everywhere – Satellites measure everywhere, even in difficult-to-reach and remote locations.
• Regular – The same location on Earth is measured repeatedly.
• Objective – Measurements are consistent and easily comparable.
• Up-to-date – Satellite data provides quick insight into changes and emergencies.

Shortcomings earth observation data

Earth observation satellites also have limitations. First, there are limits to their temporal and spatial resolution. Temporal resolution indicates how often satellites capture images of the same location. These can vary by days or even weeks. Spatial resolution indicates the detail satellite instruments can discern. Some commercial satellites map details of a few tens of centimeters, while free data is more likely to be in the range of a few to tens of meters. Finally, weather can also interfere. Optical measurement instruments from space cannot see through clouds. Therefore, only cloud-free images are usable.

Sources of earth observation data

Various organizations and companies make earth observation data available. This ranges from ready-to-use images that you can use immediately and free of charge, to raw satellite data.

A key source is the European Earth observation program Copernicus. Copernicus provides open and reliable data on land, sea, atmosphere, climate, safety, and disasters, among other things. ESA and NASA also make global and historical satellite data available. There are also many commercial suppliers of high-resolution Earth observation data worldwide. Some of this high-resolution data can be found in the Satellite Data Portal, which everyone in the Netherlands can use free of charge.