Timelapse on Google Earth Engine | Randy Sargent | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Earth Engine is a powerful tool that uses satellite imagery and data analysis to create visualizations of global changes over time, such as deforestation, urbanization, and resource extraction. It allows users to explore and understand large datasets, providing valuable insights on environmental and societal trends.

Transcript

REBECCA MOORE: Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to Academics at Google. My name's Rebecca Moore, and I'm the lead for the Google Earth Engine and Earth Outreach projects. It's my great pleasure to introduce Randy Sargent, whom I've known since 2005 when we worked together on publishing some innovative layers in Google Earth, which allowed people t... Read More

Key Insights

• ⌛ Earth Engine combines satellite imagery and data analysis to create time-lapse maps that capture global changes over time.
• 👻 The platform allows users to explore and analyze large datasets, providing valuable insights into environmental and societal trends.
• 🫵 Earth Engine's visualizations have been used for research, policy-making, and public education, offering a comprehensive view of global change.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Earth Engine utilize satellite imagery to create time-lapse maps?

Earth Engine combines data from multiple scientific spacecraft orbiting the planet and processes it in Google data centers to create cloud-free mosaics and analyze large datasets. This allows for the creation of time-lapse maps that capture changes in vegetation, urban areas, and natural resources.

Q: What are some examples of the insights gained from Earth Engine's visualizations?

Earth Engine's visualizations have provided valuable insights, such as the rate of deforestation in Brazil decreasing over time, the impact of fracking on landscapes in North Dakota, and the effects of climate change on glaciers and coastal areas.

Q: How can Earth Engine be used for policy-making and public education?

Earth Engine's visualizations can be used to inform policy-making decisions by providing policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of environmental and societal changes. These visualizations can also be shared with the public to increase awareness and education about global issues.

Q: Are there plans to update Earth Engine's data over time and add additional features?

Yes, Earth Engine is continuously updating its data and adding new features. The platform is expanding to include more analytical tools and value-added products, allowing users to gain deeper insights into global environmental and societal trends.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Earth Engine is a collaboration between Google and Carnegie Melon University's Create Lab, using satellite imagery and data to create time-lapse maps of global changes.

• The platform allows users to explore and analyze large datasets, such as forest change, urban expansion, and resource extraction, to gain insights into environmental and societal trends.

• Time-lapse maps created by Earth Engine have been used for research, policy-making, and public education, providing a comprehensive view of global change over time.