For years, the sheer volume of data streaming from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) has been increasing exponentially. This firehose of information has led to a critical realization: the biggest challenges in Earth Observation (EO) today are not in the sensors but in the software. While we have amassed vast datasets capable of mapping our planet with unprecedented detail, our ability to analyze and visualize changes over time remains fundamentally inadequate.
The Central Role of Time in Geospatial Analysis
At its core, EO data consists of surface reflectance readings organized into arrays—what we commonly refer to as images. From these arrays, we infer either the status of a location at a given moment or the events that have transpired over time. While status measurements provide absolute values, understanding events necessitates a focus on change. Given the rapid cadence of EO data collection, change has emerged as the most valuable product in the sector.
This raises three crucial questions:
- Why are we still struggling to visualize change effectively?
- Why is time treated as an afterthought in geospatial analysis?
- Who is actually selling "change" as a product?
The Need for a Four-Dimensional Geospatial Framework
Future geospatial platforms must be inherently four-dimensional, seamlessly integrating time as a primary component alongside spatial data. While emerging sectors such as drone technology have embraced this holistic approach, traditional GIS platforms remain burdened by decades of technical debt and a rigid planimetric mindset. Breaking free from these constraints will allow for a more accurate and actionable representation of our dynamic world.
Yet, even when we attempt to analyze change, our tools remain rudimentary—limited to time sliders and animated GIFs. This limited toolkit reflects a deeper issue: the assumption that those seeking to measure change also need to see it geographically. This assumption, however, is flawed. Many end users, such as financial analysts and policymakers, often prioritize raw insights over visual representation. The challenge, then, is to design EO products that cater to diverse user needs while fully leveraging the temporal dimension.
Beyond Maps: Selling Change as a Product
The geospatial community has long focused on providing maps, but the real value lies in the insights derived from temporal data. Consider the approach taken by Hydrosat, which delivers a simple dashboard that informs farmers when to water their fields. Rather than displaying a map, it provides actionable intelligence—a shift that aligns with how EO data can drive real-world decision-making.
Similarly, "Analysis Ready Data" (ARD) has become a hot topic in EO, highlighting the industry's struggle to standardize data across sensors, geographies, and timeframes. Establishing consensus on these dimensions is crucial, as temporal alignment is just as important as geographic consistency.
The Future of Geospatial Intelligence: Time as the Key Variable
Time is not just another parameter; it is as integral to geospatial analysis as latitude and longitude. Every EO product, from military intelligence to environmental monitoring, depends on timely and contextually relevant data. Yet, the notion of "change" is highly context-dependent—what constitutes rapid transformation in one region may be considered slow in another. Recognizing this variability is key to developing effective EO products.
Despite its importance, change remains an underutilized and under-monetized product in EO. While companies like Planet have made strides with their planetary variables, the industry as a whole has yet to fully embrace change detection as a primary offering. Given the frequency of data collection, each absolute measurement becomes less significant compared to the broader understanding of temporal dynamics.
A Call to Action: Elevating Temporal Awareness in Geospatial Analysis
To move forward, we must:
- Prioritize time as a first-class citizen in geospatial analysis.
- Develop advanced 3D and 4D visualization tools to better represent change.
- Accept that geographic representation may sometimes take a backseat to temporal insights—and that’s okay.
- Recognize and capitalize on change as the EO industry’s most valuable product.
By shifting our perspective and embracing time as a fundamental element in EO, we can unlock the full potential of geospatial intelligence and drive more impactful, data-driven decision-making. The time for change is now.
