Future directions and challenges ahead

Abstract

This final chapter is dedicated to discussing possible new ways forward, aiming to highlight future opportunities and challenges likely to be connected with the continued development of remote sensing technology and associated algorithms to manipulate, visualise, and interpret satellite data. The first section discusses future directions in remote sensing, looking at upcoming sensors and expected benefits for the environmental management community; introducing the concept of big data analysis and its potential to drive a step-change in analytical processes; and detailing upcoming opportunities associated with the rise of nanosatellites and unmanned aerial vehicles. The second part of the chapter focuses on upcoming opportunities associated with the use of satellite remote sensing data for natural resource management, discussing how satellite data could support the development of rewilding as an alternative to traditional biodiversity conservation approaches; the assessment of collapse risk for ecosystems around the world; ecosystem accounting initiatives; and the enforcement of environmental policy at multiple scales. The third part details the challenges associated with building a consensus on how to prioritise satellite missions and data collection; and reflects on upcoming issues related to validation, capacity building, and scale. The chapter ends with a general conclusion that summarises some of the key principles that underpin the future success of satellite remote sensing in environmental management.