Benefits of EO for International Development Assistance

International development assistance and sustainable development agencies and NGOs are increasingly seeing satellite Earth Observation (EO) as a powerful tool for addressing a wide range of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and broader international development assistance ambitions.

Satellite EO technology offers a multitude of environmental data types that are invaluable for various aspects of development work. These data are global in scope, providing insights into remote and inaccessible regions that are often challenging to monitor using traditional ground-based methods. The comprehensive nature of satellite data ensures that large-scale environmental phenomena, such as deforestation, urban sprawl, and agricultural productivity, can be accurately tracked and analysed over time.

The accuracy of satellite EO data is another critical advantage, allowing for precise measurement of environmental variables such as land use changes, water quality, and atmospheric conditions. This precision is crucial for the effective planning of development projects, ensuring that interventions are based on reliable and up-to-date information.

Repeatability and timeliness are also key strengths of satellite EO. Satellites continuously orbit the Earth, providing a steady stream of data that can be used to monitor changes and trends over time. This continuous data flow is essential for the timely evaluation of ongoing development projects, allowing for the adjustment of strategies and interventions as needed to achieve desired outcomes.