Utilizing geospatial information to implement SDGs and monitor their Progress

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Geospatial Science
• Data Science

Background:

• The United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, setting 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Monitoring progress towards SDGs requires quantifiable indicators, where geospatial information has proven significant.
• Earth Observation (EO) provides synoptic and repetitive coverage of Earth's features, offering a powerful tool for monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the robustness of Earth Observation data for the continuous planning, monitoring, and evaluation of SDGs.
• To explore the application of big data from EO and citizen science for a multi-disciplinary approach to SDG implementation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review covering various academic landscapes.
• Analysis of the utilization of geospatial data for mapping, monitoring, and evaluating Earth's features and phenomena.
• Examination of big data analytics and citizen science contributions to SDG achievement.

Main Results:

• Earth Observation data, with its diverse resolutions, enables various applications relevant to SDG monitoring.
• Geospatial information is vital for measuring SDG targets and progress.
• Big data and citizen science offer multi-disciplinary approaches for SDG implementation.

Conclusions:

• Earth Observation data is a robust and essential resource for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Integrating geospatial information, big data, and citizen science is key for effective SDG planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Continued advancements in geospatial technology will further support the global pursuit of sustainable development.