##### What is Earth Observation? The practice of gathering information about planet Earth's physical, chemical, and biological systems using remote sensing technologies. It involves monitoring and assessing various aspects of the Earth, such as land, marine (seas, rivers, lakes), and the atmosphere. ##### Why are Earth observations important? Human civilization is having an increasingly powerful influence on the Earth system. Earth observations are invaluable for assessing and mitigating the negative impacts. They can also be used for exploiting new opportunities, such as the sustainable management of natural resources. Some specific applications of Earth observations include: - forecasting weather - tracking biodiversity and wildlife trends - measuring land-use change (such as deforestation) - monitoring and responding to disasters, including fires, floods, earthquakes and tsunamis - managing energy sources, freshwater supplies and agriculture - addressing emerging diseases and other health risks - predicting, adapting to and mitigating climate change ---- - [[Earth Observation Applications]] - [[Earth Observation Satellites]] - [[Earth Observation Ecosystem]] - [[Types of Earth Observation Imagery]] - [[EO Imagery Parameters]] - [ESA Guide on EO](https://business.esa.int/newcomers-earth-observation-guide)