Unlocking the power of Earth Observation in the new space economy
Earth Observation from space can reshape our understanding of the planet and offer sustainable solutions to humanity’s pressing challenges.
Published on March 2, 2025
Bart, co-founder of Media52 and Professor of Journalism oversees IO+, events, and Laio. A journalist at heart, he keeps writing as many stories as possible.
As the global average temperature continues to rise, the impacts of climate change are becoming alarmingly evident. Droughts, floods, wildfires, and biodiversity loss are no longer abstract concerns but immediate threats affecting millions worldwide. Earth Observation (EO) has emerged as a game-changing technology in this challenging context. By harnessing the capabilities of satellites, drones, and ground-based sensors, EO transforms data into actionable insights for a range of societal challenges. The Netherlands' robust EO ecosystem is at the forefront of this transformative field, where researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers are forging innovative solutions to address pressing global issues.
The Earth Observation Days during the NL Space Week 2024 highlighted the pivotal role of Earth Observation in tackling national and global challenges. In particular, the EO4Impact event at NL Space Campus focused on the importance of translating research into actionable solutions for end-users. The event underscored how EO can support several thematically organized challenges in climate resilience by integrating diverse data sources and methods.
During the EO4Impact event, presentations from academia, research institutes and the industry laid the foundation for conversations between stakeholders like NLR, KNMI, SRON, NEO, 52impact and Ubotica with potential end-users. The universities of Twente, Wageningen, and Delft also played a prominent role. The presentations were followed up by round table discussions focusing on thematic challenges that asked for input from all sides.
Harnessing EO for climate resilience, resource security, and safety
“Disasters are not acts of God,” says Prof. Dr. Norman Kerle of the University of Twente, a leading voice in geoinformatics for disaster risk management. “They result from the interaction of natural triggers with unprepared and vulnerable systems. Understanding this interplay allows us to mitigate risks effectively.” He highlights the need for a “system of systems” approach that combines satellite imagery, UAV data, and ground-based sensors, an idea that dates back to an initiative by the Group on Earth Observations launched in 2005. “It’s about creating an ecosystem of sensors integrated with advanced models to deliver real-time insights.”
EO’s potential extends far beyond disaster management. Marloes Penning de Vries, a researcher at the University of Twente, emphasized its critical role in monitoring air quality, a silent killer that affects nine out of ten people globally. “In regions like the global South, where ground-based air quality monitoring is scarce, satellites like TROPOMI (Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument) provide indispensable data,” she noted. Penning de Vries’ team is working on a project in Zimbabwe to establish air quality stations that validate satellite data and inform policy decisions. “Air quality is related to air pollution and is about what is in the air people breathe: particles, nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone. Greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, on the other hand, are not harmful to human health directly, but affect climate. TROPOMI can map air quality - or air pollution - at unprecedented spatial scales. And its unique measurement characteristics allow it to pinpoint and quantify previously undetectable methane sources.”
Biodiversity conservation is another area where EO shines. “Earth observation provides unparalleled precision in monitoring ecosystem dynamics,” explains Roshanak Darvishzadeh, Senior Associate Professor at the University of Twente. “From tracking deforestation to assessing soil and water conditions, EO delivers the data needed to prioritize conservation efforts effectively.” Cutting-edge technologies like hyperspectral imaging and LiDAR enable detailed evaluations of ecosystem status, offering critical insights into carbon sequestration and climate feedback loops. Darvishzadeh highlights the integration of EO with advanced modeling techniques - such as physical models, machine learning algorithms, ecological niche models, and predictive modeling - has enabled the analysis of complex data to identify the trends and dynamics of ecosystems' extent, structure, and functioning under various climate scenarios - a breakthrough in addressing biodiversity loss.
,
Building resilient cities with EO
Urban resilience is another crucial frontier for EO applications. Instruments like the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI), developed by the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON), are revolutionizing air quality monitoring by detecting methane emissions and other greenhouse gases. These insights are vital for creating sustainable urban environments. Future space missions like Harmony, led by Dr. Paco López Dekker from TU Delft and due to launch in 2029, promise to monitor small shifts in the land surface that can lead to earthquakes, how glaciers flow, and how the coupling between the ocean surface and the low atmosphere works. His team uses InSAR data to quickly respond to agricultural needs and ensure food safety and security.
Agriculture is another important theme in EO. There, much of the research is concentrated at Wageningen University and Research. WUR’s Titia Mulder, for example, uses Earth Observation tools to focus on soil biodiversity, including diversifying cropping systems and rotations, using remote sensing to predict plant-soil feedback, and studying microbial community composition.
Transforming data into actionable insights
Despite the technological advancements, challenges remain in translating EO data into meaningful actions. Prof. Kerle points to inefficiencies in the European EO ecosystem, noting that while programs like Copernicus produce world-class data, its utilization often falls short. “We’ve invested heavily in data production, but we’re not fully leveraging its potential,” he remarks. “The bottlenecks lie in long-term contracts and political inertia, which stifle innovation and private sector involvement.”
Collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and policymakers are crucial to bridge this gap. Penning de Vries points out the importance of ensuring that EO data reaches end-users effectively. “We need workflows that make data accessible and actionable for governments, businesses, and local communities.” Darvishzadeh echoes this sentiment, highlighting the role of ESA and other stakeholders in providing globally consistent EO data that aligns with sustainability goals like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
An example of bridging research and application under resource security is Benchmarks, an ongoing research project by Wageningen University, which proposes the development of a European network to advance soil health research. The project focuses on monitoring soil health by combining scientific knowledge with cutting-edge technologies while advocating for sustainable land use. Aerial and UAV images captured by satellites and drones are part of the indicator measurements employed to assess soil health. The goal is to create a clear soil health index for benchmarking, using these indicators to develop strategic approaches to protect and regenerate our soils. By providing essential insights, research projects like the ones at Wageningen University become helpful tools for organizations assessing climate risks.
One of these organizations is the Dutch company 52impact, which deploys EO technologies to offer strategic analyses to businesses and governments, showing how and where they can invest in sustainability. Hence, if there is a need to evaluate the most suitable location to start growing crops or measure the carbon storage capacity of the soil, the company provides a clear overview of the risks of climate change and opportunities in specific regions.
Opportunities for businesses
The commercial potential of EO is vast, offering significant opportunities for businesses. By transforming spatial data into actionable insights, they help clients address climate risks and identify opportunities for sustainable development. S[&]T, also present at the EO4Impact event, is one of these organizations. The company aims to create a safer life on Earth by transforming space data into valuable and actionable insights. “Our society relies on space and scientific instruments for crucial services we use daily, like climate change monitoring, navigation, defense, and national security”, S[&]T’s Koen Meilink explained. “These instruments generate a vast amount of complex data, and our mission is to unlock its value.” With over two decades of expertise in instrument calibration, data quality monitoring tools, real-time data processing frameworks, and the development of application-specific algorithms, S[&]T empowers organizations, governments, and industries to strengthen their information position and enhance decision-making.
NEO developed an API with infrastructure applications that use AI to detect distances between objects and identify trees, buildings, and soil. Steven Braakman explained that the API also includes a built-in AI chat for users to access information quickly and easily by providing short prompts. NEO’s application SignalEyes provides unique information services based on changes in our living environment. Satellites, aircraft, and drones regularly monitor our habitat. SignalEyes uses these observations and provides the analytics to update information. Examples include crop management and monitoring, tax register updates, pipeline monitoring, tree maintenance, and location and size of solar panels.
Artificial intelligence was also at the heart of Amaury Perrocheau’s talk at EO4Impact. He spoke about how his company Ubotica brings AI aboard the satellite, creating ‘smart’ satellites with immediate access to tailored data.
Involvement from the private sector
Involvement from the private sector remains one of the main goals. Prof. Kerle calls for a disruptive approach to drive greater private-sector participation. “We need businesses to step in and demonstrate how EO data can be used more effectively. The door is open, but we need to overcome barriers like long-term contracts and the complexity of existing systems.”
The EO sector’s growth hinges on attracting diverse talent. EO Days during NL Space Week highlighted the need for professionals from fields as varied as geography, biology, and engineering to contribute to EO advancements. “Space is not just for astronauts or scientists,” emphasized the event organizers. “We need people with multidisciplinary expertise to harness the full potential of EO.”
Faculties like ITC at the University of Twente and Civil Engineering and Geosciences at TU Delft play a critical role in training the next generation of EO professionals. From developing open-source tools like RiskChanges for disaster risk management to collaborating with local stakeholders in the global South, these institutions create pathways for meaningful careers in the space sector.
Collaboration and innovation
That is where the unique position of the Netherlands comes in. The Dutch EO ecosystem exemplifies the power of collaboration. It has become a global leader in leveraging EO for societal benefit by integrating cutting-edge research with industry expertise. However, realizing its full potential requires overcoming systemic barriers and fostering innovation. As Prof. Kerle aptly puts it, “We need a value chain approach that integrates local and global players, ensuring data flows seamlessly from satellites to decision-makers on the ground.”
With continued investment in technology, talent, and partnerships, EO stands poised to reshape our understanding of the planet and offer sustainable solutions to humanity’s most pressing challenges. In the words of Roshanak Darvishzadeh, “Earth Observation is not just a technology - it’s a cornerstone of a resilient and sustainable future.”
Space is open for business, and Earth Observation is ready to lead the charge.