The VALUABLES Consortium
Six years of assessing the socioeconomic values of satellite data
The Value of Satellite Information
Until recently, the true value of the data gathered from satellite missions was rarely quantified. Together, RFF and NASA created the VALUABLES Consortium to better measure the value of satellite information.
Our Impact
Find out how the VALUABLES Consortium brought together economists and decisionmakers, NASA scientists and remote sensing experts, and members of the wider Earth science community.
Impact Assessments
To demonstrate the societal benefits provided by satellite data, VALUABLES researchers conducted rigorous case studies, called impact assessments, across a range of application areas. Learn more.
Grants for Assessing the Benefits of Satellites
VALUABLES sought proposals for research that quantifies the benefits of using satellite data in decisionmaking, awarding three “GABS” grants that totaled $300,000.
Tools and Resources
VALUABLES Consortium tutorials, webinars, workshops, and digital media describe the terms, concepts, and methods that scientists can use to develop rigorous impact assessments for specific applications of satellite data.
Featured Content
- Highlights
- Publications
- Events
- Editorial
- News
Journal Article — Jun 26, 2025
Satellite-Based Remote Sensing Can Enable Cost-Effective Conservation of Eastern North Pacific Blue Whales: A Value of Information Analysis
This article estimates the economic value of satellite data for conserving blue whales at $11–$636 million per year.
Journal Article — Mar 13, 2024
Early Warning Systems, Mobile Technology, and Cholera Aversion: Evidence from Rural Bangladesh
This article, supported by the VALUABLES Consortium, estimates how access to monthly cholera risk predictions informs beliefs and behaviors related to cholera and its aversion in rural Bangladesh.
Resources Magazine Articles — May 18, 2023
Windows on the World: The Value of Satellite Information for Decisionmaking
The VALUABLES Consortium, a six-year collaboration between RFF and NASA that ended last year, demonstrates the benefits of satellite data for decisionmaking processes.
Conference — Dec 5, 2022
VALUABLES Consortium Capstone Celebration
A special event celebrating the VALUABLES community, spotlighting consortium results, and looking ahead to the future of socioeconomic assessment for Earth observations
Journal Article — Jun 26, 2025
Satellite-Based Remote Sensing Can Enable Cost-Effective Conservation of Eastern North Pacific Blue Whales: A Value of Information Analysis
This article estimates the economic value of satellite data for conserving blue whales at $11–$636 million per year.
Journal Article — Mar 13, 2024
Early Warning Systems, Mobile Technology, and Cholera Aversion: Evidence from Rural Bangladesh
This article, supported by the VALUABLES Consortium, estimates how access to monthly cholera risk predictions informs beliefs and behaviors related to cholera and its aversion in rural Bangladesh.
Working Paper — Oct 19, 2022
Early Warning Systems, Mobile Technology, and Cholera Aversion: Evidence from Rural Bangladesh
Early Warning Systems, Mobile Technology, and Cholera Aversion: Evidence from Rural Bangladesh
Working Paper — Oct 19, 2022
Valuing Satellite Data for Harmful Algal Bloom Early Warning Systems
In this working paper, authors develop an information valuation framework for harmful algal blooms (HABs) and apply it to a case study of outdoor recreation in California.
Conference — Dec 5, 2022
VALUABLES Consortium Capstone Celebration
A special event celebrating the VALUABLES community, spotlighting consortium results, and looking ahead to the future of socioeconomic assessment for Earth observations
Webinar — Nov 14, 2022
Using Satellite Data and Scientific Information to Advance Environmental Justice: What Does Success Look Like?
Using Satellite Data and Scientific Information to Advance Environmental Justice: What Does Success Look Like?
Webinar — Oct 31, 2022
How Can Scientists Work with Decisionmakers to Understand How Satellite Data Really Influences Decisions?
A VALUABLES webinar examining how scientists and decisionmakers can improve their engagement to inform decisions and increase the value of satellite information
Workshop — Dec 17, 2021
VALUABLES Community of Practice Meeting
A presentation of research projects quantifying the benefits of using satellite data in socioeconomic decisionmaking.
Resources Magazine Articles — May 18, 2023
Windows on the World: The Value of Satellite Information for Decisionmaking
The VALUABLES Consortium, a six-year collaboration between RFF and NASA that ended last year, demonstrates the benefits of satellite data for decisionmaking processes.
On the Issues — Apr 22, 2022
On the Issues: Combining Climate Goals, Future Resources, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: combining climate goals, future resources, and more.
On the Issues — Apr 8, 2022
On the Issues: Fighting Wildfires, Accessing Clean Water, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: fighting wildfires, accessing clean water, and more.
On the Issues — Feb 4, 2022
Changing Revenues in the Energy Transition, Health Effects of Reducing Emissions, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: Changing revenues in the energy transition, health effects of reducing emissions, and more.
Press Release — Feb 9, 2021
A NOAA Website Offers Free Tools, Data, and Trainings—and Provides Millions of Dollars in Societal Value
A NOAA Website Offers Free Tools, Data, and Trainings—and Provides Millions of Dollars in Societal Value
Press Release — Jun 24, 2020
Early Detection of Harmful Algal Blooms Using Satellites Improves Management Decisions and Human Health Outcomes
Early Detection of Harmful Algal Blooms Using Satellites Improves Management Decisions and Human Health Outcomes
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
Press Release — Sep 16, 2019
VALUABLES Consortium Accepting Applications for $300,000 in Grants
RFF's VALUABLES Consortium is accepting applications for $300,000 in Grants to Assess the Benefits of Satellites (GABS).
Consortium Members
