Data Fusion in Earth Observation and the Role of Citizen as a Sensor: A Scoping Review of Applications, Methods and Future Trends

Recent advances in Earth Observation (EO) placed Citizen Science (CS) in the highest position, declaring their essential provision of information in every discipline that serves the SDGs, and the 2050 climate neutrality targets. However, so far, none of the published literature reviews has investigated the models and tools that assimilate these data sources. Following this gap of knowledge, we synthesised this scoping systematic literature review (SSLR) with a will to cover this limitation and highlight the benefits and the future directions that remain uncovered. Adopting the SSLR guidelines, a double and two-level screening hybrid process found 66 articles to meet the eligibility criteria, presenting methods, where data were fused and evaluated regarding their performance, scalability level and computational efficiency. Subsequent reference is given on EO-data, their corresponding conversions, the citizens' participation digital tools, and Data Fusion (DF) models that are predominately exploited. Preliminary results showcased a preference in the multispectral satellite sensors, with the microwave sensors to be used as a supplementary data source. Approaches such as the brute-force approach and the super-resolution models indicate an effective way to overcome the spatio-temporal gaps and the so far reliance on commercial satellite sensors. Passive crowdsensing observations are foreseen to gain a greater audience as, described in, most cases as a low-cost and easily applicable solution even in the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Immersive platforms and decentralised systems should have a vital role in citizens' engagement and training process. Reviewing the DF models, the majority of the selected articles followed a data-driven method with the traditional algorithms to still hold significant attention. An exception is revealed in the smaller-scale studies, which showed a preference for deep learning models. Several studies enhanced their methods with the active-, and transfer-learning approaches, constructing a scalable model. In the end, we strongly support that the interaction with citizens is of paramount importance to achieve a climate-neutral Earth.

Automated summary

Recent advances in Earth Observation have highlighted the importance of Citizen Science in providing information for the SDGs and climate neutrality targets. However, models and tools that assimilate these data sources have not been thoroughly investigated. This literature review aims to address this gap and discuss the benefits and future directions. The review found a preference for multispectral satellite sensors and highlighted the potential of passive crowdsensing observations. Additionally, the review emphasized the importance of citizen engagement and the use of scalable models in achieving a climate-neutral Earth.