Read the interesting article, from our pilot EO-based surveillance of mercury pollution, published in the United Academics Magazine.

Delve into the world of Earth Observation data benefits and learn more about e-shape project and how it develops several approaches to applying Earth Observation data to a veritable host of different sectors: agriculture, health, ecosystems, energy, water, and disasters.

One of the main e-shape lines of research is surveillance of mercury pollution, tackled specifically by Pilot 2.1. Its aim is to support the Minamata Convention on mercury and create tools to evaluate the effectiveness of mercury pollution reduction policies. This will protect people’s lives, health, and well-being.

The objective of e-shape is to free vast amounts of satellite data now “locked” in the servers of research institutes and public authorities. The idea is to build a network of networks, an interrelated system to openly and publicly share all available Earth Observation data (satellite, but also in-situ). Moreover, to build statistical models from these data and make them available to both the general public and the policymakers through a Knowledge Hub.

This web service will assist decision and policymakers in their assessments. For example, evaluating the cost-effectiveness of actions directed to reduce mercury pollution before putting them in place.

As happened with GPS data, any developer will be able to access the data and build, from that, an app or web service. This would provide the basis for an explosion of new services that would become unimaginably intertwined with our daily lives.

Find the full article here