Big Earth Data from space: a new engine for Earth science

Big data is a strategic highland in the era of knowledge-driven economies, and it is also a new type of strategic resource for all nations. Big data collected from space for Earth observation—so-called Big Earth Data—is creating new opportunities for the Earth sciences and revolutionizing the innovation of methodologies and thought patterns. It has potential to advance in-depth development of Earth sciences and bring more exciting scientific discoveries. The Academic Divisions of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Forum on Frontiers of Science and Technology for Big Earth Data from Space was held in Beijing in June of 2015. The forum analyzed the development of Earth observation technology and big data, explored the concepts and scientific connotations of Big Earth Data from space, discussed the correlation between Big Earth Data and Digital Earth, and dissected the potential of Big Earth Data from space to promote scientific discovery in the Earth sciences, especially concerning global changes.