Global Remote Sensing Research: An Author-Centric Analysis of Contributions and Trends

Remote sensing research stands at a critical juncture, grappling with challenges in identifying shifting trends and emerging scientific priorities. These gaps limit the field's ability to effectively address pressing environmental issues and foster innovation in related applications, particularly in conservation. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive scientometric analysis of approximately 20,000 researchers identified via Google Scholar who explicitly list "remote sensing" in their profiles, examining their publication trends, citation patterns, collaboration networks, and disciplinary affiliations. The analysis utilized a dataset comprising over 837,658 publications and nearly 20 million citations spanning from 1700 to 2024. Our findings reveal that each researcher has accumulated an average of 1435 citations, with a mean H-index of 10.9 and an i10-index of 17.4. Collaboration plays a pivotal role in the field, as evidenced by 79% of citations originating from co-authored works. The peak of scientific output was observed in 2022, with 54,304 publications-the highest annual total recorded. However, a slight decline was noted in 2024, with 50,096 papers published. Citations per paper peaked in the mid-2010s, reaching their highest levels between 2015 and 2020. In contrast, recent years have witnessed a marked decline, with total citations dropping from over 1.1 million in 2020 to 317,585 in 2023 and just 84,389 in 2024. Keyword analysis identified "classification," "climate," "forest," "land," and "mapping" as dominant themes, reflecting the field's continued focus on addressing global environmental challenges. While the sustained growth in publication output underscores the dynamism of remote sensing research, the declining citation counts suggest a shift toward highly specialized studies that appeal to narrower audiences. This trend necessitates a strategic reassessment of research priorities and publishing practices to ensure that remote sensing studies maintain their relevance and impact in addressing urgent global challenges.