Generalized Model and Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Evolutionary Method for Multitype Satellite Observation Scheduling

Multitype satellite observation, including optical observation satellites, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, and electromagnetic satellites, has become an important direction in integrated satellite applications due to its ability to cope with various complex situations. In the multitype satellite observation scheduling problem ...

Improving satellite remote sensing methodologies for analyzing landscape dynamics in arid environments with focus on Egypt

Advancing terrestrial biodiversity monitoring with satellite remote sensing in the context of the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework

Satellite remote sensing (SRS) provides huge potential for tracking progress towards conservation targets and goals, but SRS products need to be tailored towards the requirements of ecological users and policymakers. In this viewpoint article, we propose to advance SRS products with a terrestrial biodiversity focus for tracking the goals and...

Residue sampling and characterization

This chapter provides a comprehensive review of techniques, instruments, and methods suitable for mine residue sampling and characterization, using the potential recovery of critical raw materials (CRMs) from bauxite residues as an example. The sampling methods address diverse strategies for assessing the suitability of CRMs recovery,...

A compressive sensing with photonic crystals enabled spectrometer for trace gas observation

Recently a spectrometer concept has been invented which uses compressive sensing in combination with photonic crystal filters. Here we present an adaption of this concept in push-broom configuration for earth observation. This implementation allows for a compact design, while maintaining a high spatial resolution and high signal-to-noise...

Developing an Aerosol Layer Height Retrieval Algorithm for Passive Space-Based Sensors

Aerosols are the source of the largest uncertainties in our climate models, blurring our outlook of the future. This has been attributed to the complexity of measuring their properties, which vary over time and space. Atmospheric circulation spreads aerosols across the globe from a point source, which makes satellite-based observations lucrative...

Remote sensing-based prediction of forest fire characteristics

Forest fires are a major ecosystem disturbance at global scale, put pressure on agencies in charge of citizens and infrastructure security and cause unvaluable human losses. Fires are controlled by multiple static and dynamic drivers related to topography, land cover, climate, weather, and anthropic activity. Among these, weather is an active...

Scalable Water Balances from Earth Observations (SWEO): results from 50 years of remote sensing in hydrology

Strategic planning of water management at the river-basin scale requires (1) measurement and accounting of individual hydrological processes, (2) quantification of water resources, and (3) their optimal allocation. Scalable Water Balances from Earth Observations (SWEO) is an open-access parameterization enabling automated reporting of water...

Remote Sensing of Surface Melt on Antarctica: Opportunities and Challenges

Surface melt is an important driver of ice shelf disintegration and its consequent mass loss over the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Monitoring surface melt using satellite remote sensing can enhance our understanding of ice shelf stability. However, the sensors do not measure the actual physical process of surface melt, but rather observe the presence...

Spectropolarimetry of life: Airborne measurements from a hot air balloon

Does life exist outside our Solar System A first step towards searching for life outside our Solar System is detecting life on Earth by using remote sensing applications. One powerful and unambiguous biosignature is the circular polarization resulting from the homochirality of biotic molecules and systems. We aim to investigate the...

LOUPE: Observing Earth from the Moon to prepare for detecting life on Earth-like exoplanets: Observing Earth from the Moon to prepare for detecting life on Earth-like exoplanets: LOUPE: Observing Earth from the Moon

LOUPE, the Lunar Observatory for Unresolved Polarimetry of the Earth, is a small, robust spectro-polarimeter for observing the Earth as an exoplanet. Detecting Earth-like planets in stellar habitable zones is one of the key challenges of modern exoplanetary science. Characterizing such planets and searching for traces of life requires the...

Remote sensing for crop water management: From ET modelling to services for the end users

The experiences gathered during the past 30 years support the operational use of irrigation scheduling based on frequent multi-spectral image data. Currently, the operational use of dense time series of multispectral imagery at high spatial resolution makes monitoring of crop biophysical parameters feasible, capturing crop water use across...

Next-generation satellite gravimetry for measuring mass transport in the Earth system

The main objective of the thesis is to identify the optimal set-up for future satellite gravimetry missions aimed at monitoring mass transport in the Earth’s system.The recent variability of climatic patterns, the spread of arid regions and associ- ated changes in the hydrological cycle, and vigorous modifications in the ice coverage at polar...

TIGER capacity building facility: Growing from projects to professional community

Water security has become one of the most important challenges in the sustainable development of Africa, but only limited reliable information is available on the use and availability of water to support adequate planning and management of water resources. Data acquired from space can contribute to meet the urgent information need. But to...

Satellite data as complementary information for hydrological modelling

Hydrological models at river basin scale are needed to predict floods, droughts, available water, and effects of future changes, caused by climate and land cover change. However, in many river basins, there is not enough data available to construct these models. Fortunately, it becomes more and more attractive to use earth observations from...