Earth Observations and Space
Outer space is a unique natural resource that is often ignored. As more opportunities to utilize this resource emerge, work at RFF helps policymakers who will need to design comprehensive guidelines that clarify near-Earth ownership, responsibilities, and pollution protocols to help regulate the use and development of space.
VALUABLES Consortium
Learn about our work with NASA to quantify the benefits of Earth observations.
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Measuring the Value of Satellite Data
Find out how the social benefits of satellite data are quantified.
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Common Resources — Jun 26, 2020
Quantifying the Socioeconomic Benefits of Using Satellite Data to Detect Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms
Satellite data can keep lake goers safe from harmful algal blooms—and offer broad socioeconomic benefits through decreased healthcare costs.
Press Release — Jun 24, 2020
Early Detection of Harmful Algal Blooms Using Satellites Improves Management Decisions and Human Health Outcomes
As Americans head to the shores and lakefronts this summer, a new analysis reveals just how valuable satellites-based detection of harmful algal blooms can be in protecting visitors and residents alike.
Journal Article — Jun 18, 2020
Quantifying the Human Health Benefits of Using Satellite Information to Detect Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms and Manage Recreational Advisories in US Lakes
This article presents an impact framework to estimate the socioeconomic benefits of satellite remote sensing for detecting cyanoHABs and managing recreational advisories at freshwater lakes.
Journal Article — Jun 18, 2020
Quantifying the Human Health Benefits of Using Satellite Information to Detect Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms and Manage Recreational Advisories in US Lakes
This article presents an impact framework to estimate the socioeconomic benefits of satellite remote sensing for detecting cyanoHABs and managing recreational advisories at freshwater lakes.
Explainer — Oct 29, 2019
Introducing the VALUABLES Consortium Impact Assessment Framework
How can the societal benefits of information like satellite data be measured?
Working Paper — Jul 11, 2019
The Cost-Effectiveness of Satellite Earth Observations to Inform a Post-Wildfire Response
This study demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of using satellite imagery to assess burned areas and prioritize response measures after a wildfire; it shows that, by using Landsat imagery, federal agencies can save up to $7.7 million per year in post-fire costs.
Workshop/Seminar — Oct 30, 2019
2019 VALUABLES Consortium Annual Workshop
The VALUABLES Consortium's workshop is an annual gathering of economists, NASA experts, Earth scientists, decisionmakers, and thought leaders.
RFF Live — Oct 30, 2019
Taking the Pulse of a Changing Planet
Watch experts discuss past, present, and future opportunities in applications of satellite data.
Webinar — Oct 16, 2019
VALUABLES Consortium Grants for Assessing the Benefits of Satellites: Applicant Webinar
Learn more about the VALUABLES Consortium's GABS funding opportunity.
Press Release — Jun 24, 2020
Early Detection of Harmful Algal Blooms Using Satellites Improves Management Decisions and Human Health Outcomes
As Americans head to the shores and lakefronts this summer, a new analysis reveals just how valuable satellites-based detection of harmful algal blooms can be in protecting visitors and residents alike.
Press Release — Jun 16, 2020
New Episode of Resources Radio: “Space: The Next Great Market Opportunity, with Michael Toman”
Michael Toman discusses how collaborations between the public and private sectors can safely expand space travel and open up new markets.
Press Release — Jun 11, 2020
RFF Awards $300,000 to Researchers to Quantify the Economic and Societal Benefits of Satellites
RFF and NASA Fund Three Projects to Assess the Benefits of Satellites
Common Resources — Jun 26, 2020
Quantifying the Socioeconomic Benefits of Using Satellite Data to Detect Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms
Satellite data can keep lake goers safe from harmful algal blooms—and offer broad socioeconomic benefits through decreased healthcare costs.
Resources Radio — Jun 16, 2020
Space: The Next Great Market Opportunity, with Michael Toman
Michael Toman discusses how collaborations between the public and private sectors can safely expand space travel and open up new markets.
Resources Articles — Jun 15, 2020
Satellites Can Supplement the Clean Air Act’s Land-Based Air Monitoring Network
Satellite data can help fill the gaps in fine particulate matter pollution monitoring that the current land-based pollution monitoring network in the United States fails to record.