Application of Earth Observation (EO) Data for Drought Monitoring

Course overview

This course provides participants with practical knowledge and skills to apply Earth Observation (EO) data for effective drought monitoring and assessment. It focuses on the use of satellite-based indicators, tools, and analytical techniques to detect drought onset, assess its severity, and support early warning systems. Participants will learn how to integrate EO data with ground observations and climate information to strengthen drought risk management and decision-making processes.

Course objectives

The primary goal is to bridge the gap between raw satellite data and actionable drought intelligence. Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Identify and Access key EO data portals and open-source satellite products (Sentinel, MODIS, Landsat) relevant to hydro-meteorological hazards. 
• Calculate Drought Indices including vegetation, precipitation, and soil moisture-based indicators using specialized software or cloud platforms (e.g., Google Earth Engine). 
• Analyze Spatio-Temporal Trends to distinguish between seasonal variability and long-term drought intensification. 
• Integrate Multi-Source Data by combining satellite imagery with in-situ (ground) meteorological station data for enhanced validation. 
• Develop Drought Dashboards and reporting templates to communicate risk levels to policymakers and emergency responders.