Cloud-based and On-premises Tools for Earth Observation Data Processing in Disaster Management Activities

Spaceborne Earth observation data is crucial in determining efficient strategies for reducing disaster risks and mitigating climate change, hence playing a significant role in managing climate-related humanitarian emergencies. This study examines application and user requirements as well as advantages and disadvantages associated with the adoption of satellite cloud-based satellite services and on-premises processing tools for supporting disaster risk management activities. The proposed pros and cons analysis targets the use of satellite synthetic aperture radar for monitoring floods and land displacements related to catastrophic events such as landslides and earthquakes. We review the available cloud-based services and on-premises processing tools that are suitable to develop these target applications. Then we identify three levels of expertise, defined based on specific skills required by users in the domains of information technology and Earth observation processing. Based on these, we can assign a level of expertise to the cloud-based satellite services and on-premises satellite data processing tools and suggest the most suitable solution to be adopted by the user to support risk management activities.