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Earth Observation

Technologies change the way we see the world, and the technologies of computing and satellite remote sensing are delivering on this promise in dramatic style. The capability to monitor the Earth — in great detail and near-real time — has already reached unprecedented heights, and looks set to grow yet further. Nature looks at the promise and the pitfalls of keeping an eye on the global neighbourhood.
Images: ESA and NASA

- - EDITORIAL: Patching together a world view
    
    Data sets encapsulating the behaviour of the Earth system are one of the greatest technological achievements of our age — and one of the most deserving of future investment.
From Space
- - Of the more-than 500 satellites orbitting Earth, about 50 are tasked with keeping an eye on the the planet for research (see Committee on Earth Observation Satellites catalogue, 2005). Together they monitor the planet's atmosphere, watch for natural disasters, and even map minute changes in the gravitational field that reveal how fast our ice caps are melting.
  - - SLIDESHOW: Full-colour vision
    - Satellites look down on the Earth and collect data in all ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum — not just the visible.
    - Click to see a slideshow of the multi-coloured vision afforded by satellites.
  - - NEWS FEATURE: Not enough eyes on the prize
    - The capacity of the United States to monitor Earth's vital signs is being stymied by tight budgets and poor coordination. Alexandra Witze reports.
    - 5 December 2007
  - - NEWS FEATURE: The crucial measurement - Premium content
    - The Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) could solve the problem of monitoring our most troublesome gas. Amanda Haag reports.
    - 5 December 2007
From Ground Level
- - Most Earth-bound projects are, by necessity, relatively small in scale: watching a single forest or network of rivers. But some seek global coverage. While satellites may be better at giving whole-world views, they're no replacement for the data you get from these instruments on the scene.
  - - NEWS FEATURE: Observing the ocean from within - Premium content
    - The Real-time Geostrophic Oceanography network consists of 3,000 floats covering the world's oceans. Quirin Schiermeier reports.
    - 5 December 2007
  - - COMMENTARY: Cinderella science
    - On-the-ground monitoring is unglamorous work, seldom rewarded by funding agencies or the science community. But we neglect it at our peril warns Euan Nisbet.
    - 5 December 2007
  - - COMMENTARY: Vigilance is not enough
    - Global surveillance is key to tracking potential pandemic viruses such as H5N1. But we need to share samples more rapidly, increase testing in endemic areas and track more than one virus, argues Walter Boyce.
    - 5 December 2007
The Future
- - - NEWS FEATURE: The planetary panopticon - Premium content
    - Technology will soon allow the world to be mapped in near-real time and at high resolution. Declan Butler investigates the potential for operational monitoring of the planet.
    - 5 December 2007
  - - ESSAY: Whole Earth comes into focus - Premium content
    - To understand how our planet uses energy, we must integrate genetic data from microbial studies with satellite views of our planet.
    - 5 December 2007
The Past
- - - BRIEFING: A timeline of of Earth observation - Premium content
    - A spin through notable moments in the history of Earth monitoring since the 1840s.
    - 5 December 2007
  - - ARTS: A fresh perspective - Premium content
    - A guide to books on the history of Earth observation.
  - - ARTS: Science in culture - Premium content
    - Cartography and power have long gone hand in hand, as this pilgrimage plan illustrates.
Archive
- - Plans forge ahead for better weather monitoring - Premium content
    
    24 May 2007
  - A cloudy view of cloudiness - Premium content
    
    21 February 2007
  - Researchers lay out wish list for Earth-observing satellites - Premium content
    
    16 January 2007
  - Ecology: Spying on nature - Premium content
    
    23 November 2006
  - Snapshot: Atlantic in bloom - Premium content
    
    15 June 2006
  - On top of the world - Premium content
    
    8 December 2005
  - Europe unites over space budget - Premium content
    
    7 December 2005
  - CryoSat mission lost - Premium content
    
    10 October 2005
  - Atmospheric science: Inside information - Premium content
    
    22 September 2005
  - Earth observing: Something to watch over us - Premium content
    
    14 July 2005
  - Global observation project gets green light - Premium content
    
    24 February 2005
  - Environmental scientists told to 'get the word out' - Premium content
    
    4 February 2005
  - Aerial shots reveal extent of devastation - Premium content
    
    4 January 2005
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