Harnessing Satellite Imagery for Conservation  

The images of our planet from space contain a wealth of knowledge, ready to be applied to many challenges—such as deforestation, disaster response, and climate change. Unfortunately, many of these images have never been seen, and even fewer have been analyzed.  

But now, thanks to a collaboration between the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and Google.org, there is an innovative new tool called the Google Earth Engine that can help. Google Earth Engine brings together the world’s satellite imagery and makes data, information, and analysis tools available so that scientists from around the globe can build a more sustainable future.  

Support from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation allows scientists to work online directly with the data available in the Google Earth Engine. These scientists are at the cutting edge of forest monitoring and conservation; they can compare satellite imagery over time to detect new deforestation and map land use trends around the world. Having access to accurate land use data for areas of the world where conservationists can’t visit on their own will help scientists better understand and tackle some of our toughest environmental challenges.