Google Earth Engine for Geospatial Analysis: A Conceptual of Applications and Potential for Research and Development
Keywords:
Google Earth Engine, Geospatial data, Big geospatial data, Cloud computing, GeoinformaticsAbstract
This academic article explores the potential and applications of the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform for large-scale geospatial data analysis. It analyzes the challenges posed by the rapid increase of Big Geospatial Data, which has made traditional desktop-based processing methods insufficient. The GEE platform, a Cloud Computing system developed by Google, solves this problem with three core features: a massive and readily available geospatial data catalog, parallel processing that significantly reduces the time for analyzing large datasets, and a code-based environment that provides flexibility and reproducibility.
A review of relevant literature and research highlights GEE's pivotal role in driving research and development across various fields, including land cover change monitoring, water resource management, precision agriculture, disaster management, and climate change studies. Although GEE is a powerful tool, it does have limitations to consider, such as the requirement for coding skills, reliance on a stable internet connection, and constraints on the spatial resolution of certain data types. In conclusion, GEE has the potential to become a key tool for advancing innovation in geoinformatics, and this article provides recommendations for future developments to enhance its efficiency and reduce barriers to use for a wider range of researchers and users.
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