ITC starts a new Centre of Expertise in Big Geodata Science

Geo-information science and earth observation fields are heavy users of data with large volume and variety, such as multi-temporal and multi-spectral satellite imagery. These huge data sets are known as big data when they become too big to deal with traditional systems. But recent developments in computing infrastructure and publicly available global data sets bring new opportunities. “Large-scale computing infrastructure with specialized processing units were not widely available in the past. Now anybody with a small budget can access one by using a web browser and easily scale it according to the needs,” says Girgin.

Still, there are many challenges a researcher can face with the use of big data at a continental or global level. These include effective storage, quick access, easy visualization, and efficient analysis of these huge datasets, especially for machine learning and deep learning purposes. There is lots of (open source) software available to use in the analysis of big data but it can become challenging to keep up with all the new developments.

This is one of the parts where CRIB can come in and help. “Besides organizing training to improve knowledge on available tools and methods, we will also provide scientific and technical advice and support for better use of these technologies for education, research, and institutional strengthening activities.” says Girgin, “CRIB will strengthen the link between the researchers and technology providers, which hopefully will result in more projects benefiting from big data technologies. We will also be in contact with other UT facilities working on big data, such as the Digital Society Institute.”

CRIB has been started since mid-March. Dr Serkan Girgin has been assigned as the first member and team lead. For more information on this Centre of Expertise, please contact dr Girgin. If you want to be updated on big geodata technologies, you can also subscribe to the monthly Big Geodata Newsletter of CRIB. The first issue is available at this link.