Serving economic prosperity: economic impact assessments (EIA) on Earth observation-based services and tools by SERVIR

TL;DR

This paper reviews how Earth observation data and tools, supported by the SERVIR initiative, can be used to assess economic impacts, aiding sustainable development and resource management decisions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive survey of economic impact assessments related to Earth observation services and explores how SERVIR can enhance impact quantification and communication.

Findings

Survey of existing EIA work related to EO services

Identification of areas for improvement in impact quantification

Potential strategies for SERVIR to communicate impact effectively

Abstract

In an era where informed decision-making is paramount for sustainable development and effective resource management, the role of Earth observations (EO) in shaping economic landscapes cannot be overstated. EO, facilitated by satellites, sensors, and data analytics, is a cornerstone for evidence-based policymaking, risk mitigation, and resource allocation. SERVIR is a joint initiative of US Agency for International Development and NASA. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of relevant economic impact assessment (EIA) work, summarizes SERVIRs potential interests in EIA, and identifies how and where EIA could improve how SERVIR quantifies and communicates the impact of its services.