Side Event 3

Big data and Space applications

Objectives:  

• To advocate the use of big data, in particular space-based data and space technologies and corresponding new data science approaches for spatial and temporal massive data analysis in multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS);
• To take note of recent advances regarding the use of big data, space-based data and space technologies in MHEWS to improve all components of MHEWS;
• To identify key recommendations to facilitate the development of novel applications to improve MHEWS using big data, space-based data and space technologies with a particular focus on developing countries; 

Expected outcomes:

• Successful advocacy of the benefits of the use of big data, space-based data and space technologies and corresponding novel data science techniques in MHEWS;
• Inventory of available big data sources and corresponding data science techniques for MHEWS; 
• Compilation of examples/case studies? of the use of big data, space-based data and space technologies in MHEWS to improve all components of MHEWS; 

Key messages:

• Advances in big data, in particular space-based data and space technologies and corresponding data science can be used to improve all components of early warning systems (EWS);
• Fusing different big data sources holds large potential to increase timeliness and granularity of a data-driven MHEWS. Space-based data and space technologies can be used to monitor transboundary hazards and the use of satellite telecommunications enable for the monitoring of hazards in remote previously data poor places;
• It is recommended that those involved in developing and managing EWS, whether international organizations or national and local organizations, develop a coherent data/digital strategy, a digital roadmap of how to include big data into the different MHEWS components and into their internal processes.