Free and open-access satellite data are key to biodiversity conservation

Satellite remote sensing is an important tool for monitoring the status of biodiversity and associatedenvironmental parameters, including certain elements of habitats. However, satellite data are currentlyunderused within the biodiversity research and conservation communities. Three factors have significantimpact on the utility of remote sensing data for tracking and understanding biodiversity change. They areits continuity, affordability, and access. Data continuity relates to the maintenance of long-term satellitedata products. Such products promote knowledge of how biodiversity has changed over time and why.Data affordability arises from the cost of the imagery. New data policies promoting free and open accessto government satellite imagery are expanding the use of certain imagery but the number of free andopen data sets remains too limited. Data access addresses the ability of conservation biologists and bio-diversity researchers to discover, retrieve, manipulate, and extract value from satellite imagery as well aslink it with other types of information. Tools are rapidly improving access. Still, more cross-communityinteractions are necessary to strengthen ties between the biodiversity and remote sensing communities. Published by Elsevier Ltd