Optimizing Collaborative Space–Air–Ground Earth Observation: A decision-making perspective

Earth observation (EO) tasks play a critical role in addressing the diverse and complex data needs of users. However, fully satisfying these demands presents significant challenges. To cope with this obstacle, cross-platform observation systems utilizing satellites, aircraft, and ground geosensors have been developed to enhance data acquisition through coordinated efforts. Despite the fact that the complementary characteristics of these platforms can improve observation quality, their heterogeneity complicates efficient coordination. To enhance the efficiency of collaborative observation and better fulfill the requirements of EO, numerous space–air–ground coordination methods have been proposed, primarily focusing on decision making and optimization during the data acquisition phase. Nevertheless, a comprehensive synthesis of these strategies remains lacking. This article, therefore, provides a systematic review of existing collaborative observation strategies and decision-making processes in observation planning. We review various sensor assessment and planning techniques, aiming to categorize existing approaches while providing insights into emerging research trends. Additionally, we comparatively discuss examples of these approaches in both routine and emergency observation tasks, offering insights into their practical application across different observation tasks.