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Earth Observation

Earth Observation (EO) is the process of gathering information about the Earth’s surface, waters and atmosphere via ground-based, airborne and/or satellite remote sensing platforms.

This theme includes the use of space-based and aerial technologies such as satellite communications, remote sensing and drones to improve disaster management and collect data for disaster risk reduction (DRR).

Latest Earth Observation additions in the Knowledge Base

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China launches oceanographic satellite for enhanced marine monitoring

China launched a Long March 4B carrier rocket to deploy its latest oceanographic research satellite, the HY-2E, on Thursday morning, according to the China National Space Administration.

China Daily
Satellite-based hazard assessment of rock glacier lakes examples from the European Alps thumbnail
Documents and publications
Satellite-based hazard assessment of rock glacier lakes: examples from the European Alps

The study is about developing and applying a remote-sensing workflow based on multispectral Sentinel-2 and PlanetScope satellite imagery to detect and monitor lakes forming on active rock glaciers in the European Alps

Natural Hazards (Springer)
Artist rendition of the NISAR satellite
Update
NOAA’s SOLAR-1 enters new era of space weather monitoring

SOLAR-1 strengthens the nation’s ability to safeguard systems that can be disrupted by space weather, including the electric grid, satellites, communications, aviation, navigation systems and human spaceflight.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Update
Advanced UAE satellites go live in boost to global disaster response capabilities

Three Foresight satellites increase Earth-monitoring network developed by Abu Dhabi's Space42

The National
Update
NASA satellites reveal aquifer decline in Brazilian breadbasket

A collaboration of scientists from NASA and Brazilian research institutions has produced a detailed picture of groundwater change across Brazil.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Powerful hurricane Melissa seen from space with a clearly defined eye over the Caribbean sea, Octoner 2025.
Update
Gravity waves from super typhoon Sinlaku

In mid-April 2026, Super Typhoon Sinlaku churned across the North Pacific Ocean and brought heavy rain and flooding to the Mariana Islands.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Early-warning engineering for corridor vulnerability: A remote sensing threshold model for disaster risk reduction in Tanzania thumbnail
Documents and publications
Early-warning engineering for corridor vulnerability: A remote sensing threshold model for disaster risk reduction in Tanzania

This research article examines how Earth observation technologies can strengthen early warning and disaster risk reduction for transport infrastructure in Tanzania.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction (Elsevier)
Update
Record-setting retreat of Hektoria glacier

A team of scientists published an analysis of Hektoria’s collapse based on a suite of remote-sensing data, finding that its particular geometry enabled the rapid change.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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