Earth Observation
Earth observation is an exiting and powerful technology whereby images are collected from satellites, airplanes, or unmanned aerial vehicles. Historically used for military purposes, the UK now uses this type of information for environmental monitoring, resource management, urban planning and much more.
Defra has long used Earth observation to support wide ranging policy areas, such as marine and agriculture monitoring, climate change, biodiversity and nature conservation and infectious disease risk management. With these wide ranging interests in Earth observation, a team has been established within Defra for development and implementation of a coordinated Earth observation strategy. The vision is that Defra will be an intelligent customer for policy-driven applications of Earth observation data and services and will be an active partner in developing national and international programmes that meet out needs.
With this vision in mind, Earth observation strategy focuses on three main themes, including:
- using Earth observation science to inform policy decisions;
- exploiting operational applications across the department; and,
- exploring virtual Earth technologies (e.g. Google Earth, Microsoft Virtual Globe) for public engagement.
Operating in the context of these themes, the Earth Observation Team facilitates communication between stakeholders across the department as well as industry and academic experts. In addition, the EO Team coordinates the EO Forum and is actively engaged with other key national and international programmes (e.g. Global Monitoring for Environment and Security - GMES) and the Global Earth Observation System of Systems - GEOSS).
In 2007, three studies were conducted to evaluate the use of Earth observations in Defra and suggest new ways in which Defra can ensure that it meets its EO vision. While each study focused on a particular category of observation (land, marine, atmosphere), outcomes will be used to inform Defra's EO strategy, centred on a range of cross-cutting and focused policy needs:
For information about Earth observation events hosted by the team please see the events page and for further information about Earth observations in Defra, or specifics about our strategy, please contact the EO Team at eo.team@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
Page last modified: 8 August 2008