Enhancing EO Data Accessibility: Policy Recommendations and Insights from EO4EU Platform

Despite the robust sources of EO data and research advancements, key barriers such as data fragmentation, limited coordination, and technical complexities hinder its widespread use in Europe. The EO4EU project provides a promising solution by offering a platform that streamlines access, enhances interoperability, and integrates cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and immersive tools to improve the usability of EO data for a broader range of users.

Through user surveys and a set of industry-specific use cases, the EO4EU platform has demonstrated its potential to benefit such sectors as agriculture, healthcare, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. These use cases have highlighted critical requirements such as scalability, real-time data processing, and seamless integration with existing systems, while underlining the need for a user-friendly, accessible platform solution that empowers diverse stakeholders.

To fully leverage the potential of EO data, Europe must prioritize removing existing barriers, particularly in terms of data fragmentation, accessibility, and usability. Ensuring that EO data is not only accessible but also actionable for various end-users is key to achieving impactful results.

Specific recommendations stemming from the EO4EU project include reducing EO data fragmentation by providing unified solutions, enhancing data sharing and the interoperability of existing systems, raising awareness about the available data sources and promote their use in relation to the most pressing challenges, simplifying access to EO data for non-technical users, leverage disruptive technologies for real-time data processing and wider customisation capabilities.

By leveraging these recommendations, Europe can fully unlock the transformative potential of EO data, strengthening informed decision-making in numerous industries and sectors.