Ten rules to increase the societal value of earth observations

Abstract

Earth Observation (EO) data play an important role in our society today, but there is still tremendous opportunity to improve how these data are used to affect change. In this paper, we provide guidance to help data providers and intermediaries within the EO value chain (from data to applications) increase the societal value of the EO data, information, and data products that they work with. We first describe the EO value chain as a conceptual framework for how data are translated and applied for societal benefit. We then introduce three approaches that are often used to assess and improve the EO value chain. Finally, we present "10 rules" that can be implemented to increase the societal benefits of Earth science information. The 10 rules emphasize meeting user needs, problem-solving within interdisciplinary teams, and long-term sustainable solutions. Some rules focus on a specific segment of the value chain or phase in the problem-solving process, while others are relevant to the value chain or process as a whole. Each rule includes at least one case study example to illustrate the key points. The rules are loosely organized according to project management principles with the initial rules focusing on defining problems, planning for data use, creating effective teams, and examining a diverse selection of solutions. The next set of rules are best applied throughout a project, and include such concepts as evaluation, interoperability, trust, adoption, and documentation. Finally, the last rule addresses the challenge of determining when to close a project.

Towards a Taxonomy of Trustworthy Digital Repository Impacts

“…This corresponds with findings from prior studies where their participants based their trust in digital repositories more on organizational and social factors such as transparency and institutional reputation (performance) than they did on their trust in the data itself (belief) (Yakel et al, 2013). Our findings also highlight the importance of trust in the use of data in decision-making and problem-solving activities that have societal value, especially in areas such as reaching marginalized or uncounted groups (Virapongse et al, 2020).…”

“…While the importance and value of data to society is well‐known (Federal Data Strategy Development Team, 2020; United Nations, 2020), less is known about how different communities are able to derive value from data through digital repositories (Virapongse et al, 2020). These communities include a variety of researchers, educators and students, planners and policy‐makers, representatives of commercial and non‐profit entities, and members of the general public who use data, produce data, or are the subjects of data.…”

Landsat Data Ecosystem Case Study: Actor Perceptions of the Use and Value of Landsat

“…These actors understood the uses and limitations of existing ground surveys or in situ sensors and saw an opportunity for satellite data to play the same role with greater accuracy, efficiency, and reliability, see also (Blyth, 1997). This was a bottom-up, user-centric approach in that products were developed to solve a problem (Virapongse et al, 2020), in contrast to more top-down approach where useful applications for a new product are sought after it has been released. The latter characterizes the approach described by some of the DaaS providers who emphasize the scientific applications of their data products and invest significant time into accuracy assessment and validation but express difficulty in understanding end user applications.…”

“…Growing numbers of users of EO data increase the value of the data itself (Virapongse et al, 2020). Studies employing "usedriven" or "end-user" approaches are one tool to facilitate this by understanding the needs of EO data users.…”

SwissEnvEO: A FAIR National Environmental Data Repository for Earth Observation Open Science

“…This situation is caused by the lack of awareness on the potential of EO-based information products and their availability. Consequently, there are opportunities to improve how EO data are used to support decision-making and increase the societal value of information and data products (Virapongse et al, 2020). In particular, to enhance the EO value chain from data to knowledge (Rowley, 2007) it is critical to lower the entry barriers to facilitate uptake and use of products by adhering to standards that increase interoperability.…”