On the semantics of big Earth observation data for land classification

This paper discusses the challenges of using big Earth observation data for land classification. The approach taken is to consider pure data-driven methods to be insufficient to represent continuous change. I argue for sound theories when working with big data. After revising existing classification schemes such as FAO\u27s Land Cover Classification System (LCCS), I conclude that LCCS and similar proposals cannot capture the complexity of landscape dynamics. I then investigate concepts that are being used for analyzing satellite image time series; I show these concepts to be instances of events. Therefore, for continuous monitoring of land change, event recognition needs to replace object identification as the prevailing paradigm. The paper concludes by showing how event semantics can improve data-driven methods to fulfil the potential of big data

One Amazon: A Personal Environmental History. An Interview with Susanna Hecht

One Amazon: A Personal Environmental History. An Interview with Susanna HechtOne Amazon: A Personal Environmental History. An Interview with Susanna HechtOne Amazon: A Personal Environmental History. An Interview with Susanna Hech

Beyond SDI: Integrating Science and Communities to Create Environmental Policies for the Sustainability of the Amazon

This paper will explore ways to go beyond the traditional SDI (spatial data infrastructures) in the direction of the Digital Earth, with the objective of supporting environmental policies that will lead to sustainability. We use the Amazon region as a starting point for the discussion. Environmental policy making for a place such as the Amazon has to take into account that phenomena occur and are modeled in various geographic scales, ranging from microbiology to planetary climate impacts. There are also multiple and sometimes conflicting views on the same reality, including the many scientific disciplines, governmental and non-governmental views, and the view of the local populations. Currently, the combination of technologies, people, and policies that defines an SDI is probably the best approximation we have to solve these problems, but some important elements are missing. A broader SDI would be an enabler for understanding space, not only delivering general-purpose maps, but disseminating spatial data to support policies for sustainable development. We think it is necessary to go beyond SDI to integrate science and communities in the effort of creating, enforcing, assessing, and revising environmental policies. We discuss the limitations of current SDIs with regards to data and information flow, semantics, and community building. We also review the information needs and modeling challenges for SDIs when used as a support for environmental policy making

Solastalgia in Biocitizenship’s Perspective on Narrating Energy

Peer reviewe

The Functioning of Ecosystems

The ecosystems present a great diversity worldwide and use various functionalities according to ecologic regions. In this new context of variability and climatic changes, these ecosystems undergo notable modifications amplified by domestic uses of which it was subjected to. Indeed the ecosystems render diverse services to humanity from their composition and structure but the tolerable levels are unknown. The preservation of these ecosystemic services needs a clear understanding of their complexity. The role of the research is not only to characterise the ecosystems but also to clearly define the tolerable usage levels. Their characterisation proves to be important not only for the local populations that use it but also for the conservation of biodiversity. Hence, the measurement, management and protection of ecosystems need innovative and diverse methods. For all these reasons, the aim of this book is to bring out a general view on the biogeochemical cycles, the ecological imprints, the mathematical models and theories applicable to many situations