Using economic methods to assess impacts of earth observation-based services: Why and how?

Abstract

Earth Observations (EO) are increasingly recognized for advancing scientific understanding and providing critical data for decision-making in environmental monitoring, risk management, and resource allocation. Yet, the social and economic impacts of EO-based services, particularly in the international development context, are still largely unexplored. This paper addresses this gap by presenting economic methods for assessing the impact of EO services across five key areas: agriculture and food security, water security, ecosystem and carbon management, weather and climate resilience, and air quality and health. Case studies from SERVIR, a U.S. Government program funded through NASA,¹ demonstrate the methods used to evaluate both direct and indirect economic impacts of EO-driven tools. Findings highlight the value of incorporating impact assessments into EO services, enabling policymakers to allocate resources better, shape sustainable policies, and maximize societal benefits. This integration is not only valuable but essential, bridging geophysical EO projects with economic assessments for more effective, informed decision-making. The urgency and importance of this task cannot be overstated.