Paper ID: 2305.08413

Artificial intelligence to advance Earth observation: : A review of models, recent trends, and pathways forward

Devis Tuia, Konrad Schindler, Begüm Demir, Xiao Xiang Zhu, Mrinalini Kochupillai, Sašo Džeroski, Jan N. van Rijn, Holger H. Hoos, Fabio Del Frate, Mihai Datcu, Volker Markl, Bertrand Le Saux, Rochelle Schneider, Gustau Camps-Valls

Earth observation (EO) is a prime instrument for monitoring land and ocean processes, studying the dynamics at work, and taking the pulse of our planet. This article gives a bird's eye view of the essential scientific tools and approaches informing and supporting the transition from raw EO data to usable EO-based information. The promises, as well as the current challenges of these developments, are highlighted under dedicated sections. Specifically, we cover the impact of (i) Computer vision; (ii) Machine learning; (iii) Advanced processing and computing; (iv) Knowledge-based AI; (v) Explainable AI and causal inference; (vi) Physics-aware models; (vii) User-centric approaches; and (viii) the much-needed discussion of ethical and societal issues related to the massive use of ML technologies in EO.

Submitted: May 15, 2023