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CONSULTATION ROOMS

Discover insights on Earth Observation for development through our AI chatbot or speak with one of our experts

Knowledge Hub Experts

Are you with an IFI, UN Agency or bilateral development partner and have a specific question?

Consultation Rooms questions

The GDA Knowledge Hub AI Assistant, “ChatGDA”, is specifically trained on the content available in the Knowledge Hub as well as other ESA resources, so it is well-equipped to provide accurate, relevant answers based on our information. It is designed to assist users by answering common questions, guiding them through available Knowledge Hub resources, and helping them navigate the site effectively. ChatGDA is aware of any changes or updates our experts make to content on the Knowledge Hub. Nevertheless, users should be aware that AI assistants can make mistakes. Especially for complex or highly detailed questions, we advise users from the development community to book a consultation with one of our leading EO experts.

The Knowledge Hub Experts are handpicked by ESA from European companies and institutions at the cutting edge of Earth Observation (EO) and geospatial services. Our experts cover a wide range of domains relevant to the development context. 

Yes and no. The Consultation Rooms are a voluntary service provided by our experts. It therefore has to limit itself to serving a very specific user group and purpose aligned with the Global Development Assistance Programme: supporting development professionals from International Financial Institutions, the UN, and bilateral agencies in utilizing EO operationally. Anybody from within this user group is free to submit a consultation request. However, our experts will not be able to respond to requests beyond this user group and background, for instance to support university assignments, academic research or personal development. If you happen to come from another organizational background but are keen to learn about the many applications of EO, we appreciate your understanding and still encourage you to make full use of the Knowledge Hub Library and Trainers Area. 

If our AI assistant ChatGDA cannot answer your question, and you are a development professional (see the second to last question below), you have the option to connect with an Earth Observation expert directly. Simply click on the “I would like to talk to an expert” button above the text input field of the chatbot, or the “Make Request for Consultation” button in the “Consultations” pane of your profile. You will then be directed to a dedicated area where you can either start a text-based chat or book a video consultation with a specialist with expertise in the respective domain. If you choose the video consultation option, the Expert will propose three different dates and times for you to choose from. 

Our GDA Knowledge Hub Experts will endeavour to respond to your message within 24-48 hours. 

Yes, if you chose the “video conference” option and already agreed on a timeslot with your Expert, you can “archive” a booked consultation by going to your Profile,  choosing the Consultations pane on the left, selecting the respective consultation and clicking on the "Archive Consultation" button. This effectively cancels the consultation booking. 

We very much value honest feedback to continually improve the user experience. Please provide your feedback via this form.