Review
Environmental Sciences
Yongze Song, Peng Wu
Summary: Infrastructure is a fundamental sector for sustainable development, and Earth observation has great potentials for sustainable infrastructure development. Despite limited implementations, Earth observation has close associations with sustainable infrastructure and Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating significant contributions and potentials.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Peng Yue, Boyi Shangguan, Lei Hu, Liangcun Jiang, Chenxiao Zhang, Zhipeng Cao, Yinyin Pan
Summary: Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning, particularly Deep Learning, is reshaping Earth Observation. To enhance the discoverability and accessibility of training data, a training data model is proposed, which includes design rationales, information models, and an encoding method. Several scenarios illustrate the potential uses and benefits of using EO Deep Learning applications in an open Web environment. The relationship with Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards and the impact on an AI-ready Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) are also discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SCIENCE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Remote Sensing
Stefan Lang, Dirk Tiede, Barbara Riedler
Summary: This special issue explores the impact of digitalisation on satellite Earth observation, demonstrating the interaction between the Digital Earth concept and Earth observation, and showcasing the potential for utilizing this in various application contexts.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF REMOTE SENSING
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Santoro Mattia, Mazzetti Paolo, Nativi Stefano
Summary: Humankind is facing unprecedented global challenges in terms of food, water and energy security, resilience to natural hazards, etc. Knowledge platforms are crucial in the decision-making process to address these challenges and avoid negative impacts. The development of Geoscience Digital Ecosystems (GEDs) using big data, artificial intelligence, and network-based computing platforms can generate detailed knowledge on environmental and social sustainability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIGITAL EARTH
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Dagimawi D. Eneyew, Miriam A. M. Capretz, Girma T. Bitsuamlak
Summary: This paper introduces the concept and significance of smart-building digital twins in the field of architecture. It proposes a novel multi-layer digital twin architecture to address interoperability issues in smart buildings, along with an ontology-based query mediation method. Through experimental evaluation, the feasibility of the architecture and method is demonstrated.
Article
Computer Science, Hardware & Architecture
Vartan Piroumian
Summary: The true promise of digital twins lies in its potential to advance interoperability and automation across computing applications, domains, industries, and vertical markets.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Hiromichi Fukui, Duc Chuc Man, Anh Phan
Summary: The 17 Sustainable Development Goals provide clear directions for the green transformation sought by the global community, but achieving these goals requires the integration of multidisciplinary datasets. Digital Earth, as a multi-dimensional and multi-scale platform, can contribute valuable assistance to the achievement of these goals and the green transformation.
Editorial Material
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Morgan A. Crowley, Michelle Stuhlmacher, Erin D. Trochim, Jamon van den Hoek, Valerie J. Pasquarella, Sabrina H. Szeto, Jeffrey T. Howarth, Rud Platt, Samapriya Roy, Beth Tellman, T. C. Chakraborty, Amber Ignatius, Emil Cherrington, Kel Markert, Qiusheng Wu, M. D. Madhusudan, Timothy Mayer, Jeffrey A. Cardille, Tyler Erickson, Rebecca Moore, Nicholas E. Clinton, David Saah
Summary: Earth observation is undergoing a paradigm shift with the development of cloud-based platforms. There is a need for expanded educational capacity to leverage these developments and increase the impact of EO research and teaching.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ana Andries, Stephen Morse, Richard J. Murphy, Jim Lynch, Emma R. Woolliams
Summary: The Sustainable Development Goals framework relies on data to monitor progress and support the achievement of various goals. Satellite data presents a potential solution for the challenges associated with obtaining traditional data and has the ability to monitor and support SDG indicators.
Article
Soil Science
Jose L. Safanelli, Jose A. M. Dematte, Sabine Chabrillat, Raul R. Poppiel, Rodnei Rizzo, Andre C. Dotto, Nelida E. Q. Silvero, Wanderson de S. Mendes, Benito R. Bonfatti, Luis F. C. Ruiz, Alexandre ten Caten, Ricardo S. D. Dalmolin
Summary: The study utilized EOD data for high-resolution mapping of key topsoil attributes in Brazilian cropland soils, conducted a broad examination of major agricultural regions, and estimated the total organic carbon stocks. Prediction models showed high performance metrics, revealing variability in topsoil across cropped areas.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Salvatore Cavalieri, Salvatore Gambadoro
Summary: The concept of Digital Twin is crucial for Industry 4.0, and the Digital Twins Definition Language is one of the available standards for its realization. Digital Twin requires data exchange with the real system and other applications using the digital replica. This paper aims to enable interoperability between Digital Twins and Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture, proposing a mapping from Digital Twins Definition Language to the architecture.
Article
Geography, Physical
Meng Jin, Ming Lin, Yufu Liu, Yuqi Bai
Summary: This paper discusses the importance of evaluating Earth Observation (EO) potential in meeting user requirements for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) monitoring. It also presents a model that matches EO capabilities with user requirements, using SDG indicators as a basis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIGITAL EARTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Colin T. Farrelly, Jeremy C. Davies
Summary: Mining companies are increasingly adopting new digital capabilities for a more integrated and collaborative network-centric mine. There is a need to improve the development and adoption of interoperability standards, integration platforms, and digital twins in the mining industry. However, despite recent initiatives, the pace of change has been slow and common approaches and solutions are lacking in the industry.
IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Charlotte L. J. Marcinko, Sourav Samanta, Oindrila Basu, Andy Harfoot, Duncan D. Hornby, Craig W. Hutton, Sudipa Pal, Gary R. Watmough
Summary: This study examines the relationship between environmental factors and poverty in the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve. The results show that environmental variables, especially cyclone hazard, can predict the distribution of poverty in the region. The poorest villages are associated with smaller rural settlements, larger agricultural areas, and higher cyclone hazards. Additionally, the study suggests that villages with more diverse livelihood options and less dependence on agriculture are more resilient to cyclone hazards. These findings can inform policy formulation and monitoring towards achieving SDG1 (No Poverty) in the region.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Kaishu Xia, Thorsten Wuest, Ramy Harik
Summary: This paper introduces an automated digital twinning method that injects new vitality into current smart manufacturing initiatives by developing affordable and customizable cyber-physical production system and digital twin implementations. The method integrates different technologies and knowledge to achieve fast 3D surface signature extraction and its application as manufacturing knowledge.
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anthony Lehmann, Paolo Mazzetti, Mattia Santoro, Stefano Nativi, Joan Maso, Ivette Serral, Daniel Spengler, Aidin Niamir, Pierre Lacroix, Mariapaola Ambrosone, Ian McCallum, Nataliia Kussul, Petros Patias, Denisa Rodila, Nicolas Ray, Gregory Giuliani
Summary: This paper explores the potential of Essential Variables (EVs) in addressing the sustainability challenge and discusses the efforts of the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) in promoting the application of EVs. EVs can describe the status of the Earth system and support monitoring and modeling. The paper also highlights the progress made in the development of EVs in various domains and emphasizes the need for consensus and implementation in all GEO focus areas. The application of EVs can provide a trusted foundation for interdisciplinary approaches such as ecological footprinting and disaster risk reduction.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paolo Mazzetti, Stefano Nativi, Mattia Santoro, Gregory Giuliani, Denisa Rodila, Antonietta Folino, Susie Caruso, Giovanna Aracri, Anthony Lehmann
Summary: In the past two centuries, the world has undergone profound social, political, and economic changes that have greatly affected human life. Policy-making and decision-making processes for sustainable development should be based on the best available knowledge about the Earth system and environment. However, the current limitations in data and model interoperability hinder the reusability of scientific processes. This paper presents a general framework to address this issue and improve semantic interoperability.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Enrico Boldrini, Stefano Nativi, Silvano Pecora, Igor Chernov, Paolo Mazzetti
Summary: Global change challenges are recognized and addressed by intergovernmental organizations like the United Nations. Heterogeneous observing networks provide data sources for assessing the environmental status and making sustainable development decisions. The WMO Hydrological Observing System (WHOS) applies a brokering approach to enable global system interoperability and has been successfully implemented in three regional pilots.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIGITAL EARTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nicola Pirrone, Paolo Mazzetti, Sergio Cinnirella, Eleni Athanasopoulou, Evangelos Gerasopoulos, Jana Klanova, Anthony Lehmann, Joan Maso Pau, Tuukka Petaja, Lukas Pokorny, Katerina Sebkova
Summary: This paper reports on the major outcomes of the ERA-PLANET project, which aimed to strengthen the European Research Area in Earth Observation. Through four focused projects, ERA-PLANET developed science-policy workflows and interfaces to address environmental policy issues and achieve targeted objectives. The project also implemented Key Enabling Technologies to enhance the transition of data to knowledge for environmental policy making.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Roberto Roncella, Lianchong Zhang, Enrico Boldrini, Mattia Santoro, Paolo Mazzetti, Stefano Nativi
Summary: This paper describes the China Satellite datasets shared through the GEOSS Platform and the data publishing process. The China Satellite datasets are considered as one of the most important satellite data shared by GEOSS Platform, and the analysis provides insights into user searches for these datasets.
Article
Geography, Physical
Santoro Mattia, Mazzetti Paolo, Nativi Stefano
Summary: Humankind is facing unprecedented global challenges in terms of food, water and energy security, resilience to natural hazards, etc. Knowledge platforms are crucial in the decision-making process to address these challenges and avoid negative impacts. The development of Geoscience Digital Ecosystems (GEDs) using big data, artificial intelligence, and network-based computing platforms can generate detailed knowledge on environmental and social sustainability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIGITAL EARTH
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Roberto Roncella, Enrico Boldrini, Mattia Santoro, Paolo Mazzetti, Joao Andrade, Nuno Catarino, Stefano Nativi
Summary: This paper describes the dataset resources shared through the GEOSS Platform and focuses on the data publishing process of NextGEOSS datasets and user searches.
Review
Geography, Physical
Alessandro Annoni, Stefano Nativi, Arzu Coltekin, Cheryl Desha, Eugene Eremchenko, Caroline M. Gevaert, Gregory Giuliani, Min Chen, Luis Perez-Mora, Joseph Strobl, Stephanie Tumampos
Summary: The concept of Digital Earth (DE) was introduced by Al Gore in 1998 and has since evolved with advancements in digital technologies. The digital transformation has created new opportunities and challenges for DE. Examining the past lessons and identifying scientific and technological challenges are essential for achieving the goal of a 'Digital Earth for all'.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIGITAL EARTH
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Enrico Boldrini, Stefano Nativi, Jiri Hradec, Mattia Santoro, Paolo Mazzetti, Max Craglia
Summary: The GEOSS Platform contributes to building the GEOSS by enabling harmonized discovery and access of Earth observation data shared by organizations worldwide. This study analyzes the data available on the GEOSS Platform and how users utilize it, based on a 2021 EOValue report. The analysis includes data provider characterization, data sharing trends, data consumer characterization, utilization trends, and requested data characterization. The findings reveal issues with low metadata quality, decreasing usage trend, and possible disconnection between the platform and its users.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIGITAL EARTH
(2023)