Earth observation

Earth observation is the gathering of information about planet Earth’s physical, chemical and biological systems via remote sensing technologies supplemented by earth surveying techniques, encompassing the collection, analysis and presentation of data. Earth observation is used to monitor and assess the status of, and changes in, the natural environment and the built environment. In recent years, Earth observation has become technologically increasingly sophisticated. It has also become more important due to the dramatic impact that modern human civilization is having on the planet Earth, and the need to minimize negative impacts along with the opportunities Earth observation provides to improve social and economic well-being.

Earth observations can include:

• numerical measurements taken by a thermometer, wind gauge, ocean buoy, altimeter or seismometer
• photos and radar or sonar images taken from ground or ocean-based instruments
• photos and radar images taken from remote-sensing satellites
• decision-support tools based on processed information, such as maps and models