Data Access and Data Analysis Software

Chapter 1 describes the data sets relevant to the integration of remote sensing within agricultural statistics. First, the remote sensing data sources themselves will be addressed. The role of reference data and ancillary data layers, and their use in stratification and aggregation, will also be discussed. A key issue arising recently in data access is the general trend towards open access. Thus, while the major commercial remote sensing missions will be listed for reference, attention will be paid to open-access sources for a number of reasons: (1) to create wider awareness on data sets that are available under free and open licenses; (2) to provide a thorough understanding of how these data can be assessed; and (3) to discuss how open data can be used to optimize the acquisition – i.e. minimize the costs – of commercial data. Remote sensing data, from both open and commercial sources, usually requires post-processing for follow-up use in statistical analyses. The use of open-source software for image processing and geospatial analysis is another important development that accelerates the broader adoption of remote sensing data. The use of open-source software is discussed, and a listing of commercial software alternatives is provided. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the more recent trend to move data analytics into cloud computing environments

LEMOINE Guido; 

2018-01-18

Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)

JRC110048