When it comes to Earth observations in AI for disaster risk reduction, is it feast or famine? A topical review

Earth observations (EOs) have successfully been used to train artificial intelligence (AI)-based models in the field of disaster risk reduction (DRR) contributing to tools such as disaster early warning systems. Given the number of in situ and remote (e.g. radiosonde/satellite) monitoring devices, t...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Monique M Kuglitsch, Arif Albayrak, Jürg Luterbacher, Allison Craddock, Andrea Toreti, Jackie Ma, Paula Padrino Vilela, Elena Xoplaki, Rui Kotani, Dominique Berod, Jon Cox, Ivanka Pelivan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IOP Publishing 2023-01-01
Series:Environmental Research Letters
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/acf601
Description
Summary:Earth observations (EOs) have successfully been used to train artificial intelligence (AI)-based models in the field of disaster risk reduction (DRR) contributing to tools such as disaster early warning systems. Given the number of in situ and remote (e.g. radiosonde/satellite) monitoring devices, there is a common perception that there are no limits to the availability of EO for immediate use in such AI-based models. However, a mere fraction of EO is actually being used in this way. This topical review draws on use cases, workshop presentations, literature, and consultation with experts from key institutes to explore reasons for this discrepancy. Specifically, it evaluates the types of EO needed to train AI-based models for DRR applications and identifies the main characteristics, possible challenges, and innovative solutions for EO. Finally, it suggests ways to make EO more user ready and to facilitate its uptake in AI for DRR and beyond.
ISSN:1748-9326