Earth Observations and Geohazards

EGDI Earth Observations and Geohazards

Earth observation is the collection of information about Earth, including remote sensing (sensors on satellites, low-altitude aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft systems, etc.) and in situ data (ground-based monitoring systems, data collection, fieldwork).

The systematic observation of Earth’s surface and monitoring of ground deformation enable precise mapping and assessment of geohazards. Geohazards can severely impact human lives and properties and lead to serious socio-economic consequences.

Additionally, Earth observation systems can detect ground surface changes, the mineral composition of outcrops, and ground movements, which contribute to environmental assessments used by the mining industry to support environmental management and social well-being.

In EGS, this topic is dealt with by the Earth Observation and Geohazard Expert Group.

Monitor ground deformation and assess geohazards consistently

Systematic Earth-surface observation and monitoring of ground deformation support the mapping and assessment of geohazards that can impact people, assets, and critical infrastructure. EGDI helps users discover harmonised resources and structured metadata across Europe to support cross-border comparison, interpretation and reporting.

Typical hazards and applications

  • Land subsidence and ground instability: support screening, mapping and interpretation workflows.
  • Landslide-related context: discover supporting datasets and documentation for risk communication and planning.
  • Infrastructure and urban resilience: connect ground deformation context to assets and urban environments.

Recommended workflow (3 steps)

  • Explore relevant layers in the Geological Map Viewer of Europe and identify supporting context (geology, units, lithology).
  • Use EGDI Data Search to discover datasets related to deformation monitoring and hazard assessment.
  • Validate suitability using the Geological Metadata Catalogue (methods, coverage, resolution, constraints) and consult the Document Repository for supporting reports where relevant.

Related EGDI resources

Earth Observations and Geohazards map layers on EGDI

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Other Scientific Themes

Mountain and its reflection in a lake at its feet.

Basic Geology

Multiscale space-related datasets and data products are the fundamental components of geological baseline information delivered by national geological survey organisations. These datasets and products show and explain the geological architecture of the surface and subsurface of the Earth’s crust.
Heavy machinery carrying out a survey.

Boreholes

EGDI contains data on different sets of boreholes. Currently a WMS services is available.
Image of a person's hand harvesting spinach in a garden.

Geochemistry

Chemical elements are the Earth’s building blocks. Geochemistry is the study of the distribution and concentration of Earth’s elements.
Volcanic area that houses a hot spring lake that is being photographed by several people.

GeoEnergy

Energy is vital to the functioning of our society. We need energy to heat our homes, to produce food, for transport, and much more. But energy consumption poses two major challenges. First, our huge dependency on fossil fuels. Second, domestic energy production is decreasing.
Computer-generated background of reddish colors that simulates sea waves.

GeoERA

Establishing the European Geological Surveys Research Area to deliver a Geological Service for Europe (GeoERA).
People strolling on a footbridge on a steep cliff. A route known as "El Caminito del Rey" in Málaga.

Geoheritage

Earth’s geological processes are happening around us all the time. The results are often distinctive geological sites (geosites) that can be unique, visually appealing or have scientific value.
Spectacular landscape view from helicopter cabin.

Geophysics

Geophysics studies the Earth's interior using physical properties measured at or above its surface and produces mathematical models to predict those properties.
Rocky seabed illuminated by sunlight.

Marine Geology

About two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. In line with this, Europe’s seas total about fifteen million square kilometres, fifty percent more than its land area.
Spectacular fragment of multicolored mineral with lumpy shapes inside.

Mineral Resources

We live in a mineral-based world. It has been said that “if you can’t grow it, you have to mine it”. Indeed, virtually everything we use on a daily basis is manufactured from the Earth’s mineral resources. Mineral raw materials provide us with our basic needs – energy, infrastructure, transportation, technology and more.
Risky deep foundation work near a historic building in a city.

Urban Geology

Geological and geotechnical information about the subsurface of cities are of paramount importance and of high socio-economic value for their development and the maintenance of critical infrastructure.
Water pipe

Water Resources

Groundwater, present almost every where beneath our feet, is by far (99%) the largest freshwater resource on earth. As rain falls, it recharge and continuously feeds, rivers, lakes, wetlands and coastal waters.