The Edinburgh Earth Observatory develop the science around geospatial and earth observation technologies to understand our planet, to improve the lives, health, and opportunities of the people on it, and to protect its environment. We work with satellites and UAVs to gather, sort, and link together data about our planet. This work is then used to produce maps, visualisations, and models which enhance our understanding of the processes and systems of the Earth and inform policymaking. We work with people, industry, governments, and other organisations to improve lives and protect the environment. Group members profiles/feed/ limit=0 {{{script}}} {{{css}}} {{#each group}} Staff {{#each people}} {{fullname}}, {{#if job}}{{job}}{{else}}{{jobtitle}}{{/if}} {{#if KeyTerms}}{{KeyTerms}}{{else}}{{/if}} {{/each}} {{/each}} profiles/students/ {{#if script}}{{{script}}}{{/if}} {{#if css}}{{{css}}}{{/if}} {{#each group}} {{#if people}} Research students {{/if}} {{#each people}} {{firstname}} {{surname}} {{#if ThesisTitle}}{{ThesisTitle}}{{/if}} {{/each}} {{#if people}}{{/if}} {{/each}} Earth Observation and GIS Facilities Airborne Research and Innovation (ARI)ARI specialises in airborne data acquisition and innovation. It operates a fleet of manned and unmanned aircraft to support research and teaching across the School and beyond.Airborne research and survey techniques are enjoying significant growth in activity and interest.Over recent years uncrewed aircraft have opened up the field to a vastly wider audience. This creates entirely new types of data products and simultaneously drives the cost, size, and weight of sensors and systems down. In turn, exciting new opportunities are being generated for high-quality data acquisition from small, low-cost crewed aircraft.We can support our researchers and students with direct flight operations, equipment loans, training and specialist platform development and sensor integration.We operate a mixed fleet of crewed and uncrewed aircraft equipped with a broad range of imaging and atmospheric sensors. These provide a unique multi-scale, multi-disciplinary, ultra-high resolution sensing capability. In addition, we can provide fully supported data acquisition, training, equipment loan and data processing facilities.Airborne Research and Innovation (ARI)GIS computing suiteComputing-intensive research in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is supported by access to our well-equipped in-house GIS suite.We have a broad range of software licences, including industry-leading commercial GIS and database systems from ESRI and ORACLE. The suite also includes open-source software such as QGIS, Python and R. For those specialising in the processing of space and satellite data, we have a range of industry-leading commercial software such as ERDAS, ENVI and Ecognition. We also have surveying equipment and software and a small fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). For highly intensive analysis, students can access the Edinburgh Compute and Data Facility for parallel computing. Specialist training in the use of all these facilities will be provided.GIS computing suite Recent research Woodland access in urban areas linked to reduced antidepressant use Improving and maintaining woodlands in deprived communities is linked with reduced use of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication, new research involving researchers from the School of GeoSciences suggests. 2025 among the worst years on record for global glacier loss Using satellite observations, scientists in School of GeoSciences are supporting work to track the accelerating loss of the world’s glaciers, revealing that 2025 ranks among the worst years on record for global ice loss. Research centres and initiatives Centre for Research on Environment, Society and Health (CRESH) CRESH is a collaborative research centre linking colleagues at the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to understand how the places we live shape our health and, crucially, how environments contribute to widening or narrowing health inequalities. Centre for Research on Environment, Society and Health Scottish Longitudinal Study Development and Support Unit The Scottish Longitudinal Study (SLS) is a large-scale linkage study created using data from administrative and statistical sources. The SLS includes a range of variables describing cultural, demographic, economic, health, education, ecological, housing and social data. Scottish Longitudinal Study Development and Support Unit website Gazetteer for Scotland The Gazetteer for Scotland was initially developed in 1995 in partnership with the Royal Scottish Geographical Society to promote understanding of the Geography of Scotland. It is a significant historical, cultural, architectural and environmental resource, which aims to connect Scotland's people with places. Gazetteer for Scotland Study Our research group are directly involved with the development and teaching of MSc GIS and Earth Observation degree, and the SENSE CDT programme. MSc GIS and Earth Observation Our integrated MSc Geographical Information Science and Earth Observation creates experts capable of creating, managing and analysing spatial data through advanced technologies.With a legacy spanning over 40 years and nearly 1000 graduates from our Geographical Information Science (GIS) programme, combined with our expertise in Earth observation, we offer a fused and groundbreaking experience focused on innovation and applicability in both GIS and Earth observation. MSc GIS and Earth Observation SENSE CDT Our Earth Observation CDT is an exciting centre funded by the Natural Environment Research Council and the UK Space Agency, training 65 PhD students to tackle cross-disciplinary environmental problems, by applying state-of-the-art data science methods to the deluge of satellite data collected each day. Our graduates are supervised by a consortium of world-leading UK scientists, with topics co-developed with the UK’s most innovative spatial data companies. By training a new generation of industry-experienced satellite data specialists, we support the growing strategic importance of remote sensing within the UK space sector, and enhance the UK’s profile as an international leader in Earth Observation science.We are partnered with the University of Leeds, National Oceanography Centre and British Antartic Survey. SENSE CDT Outreach and engagement Edinburgh Earth Observatory seminars Our seminar series presents topics in the broad areas of geographical information and remote sensing. This prestigious series combines research seminars with talks of professional interest and is open to students and staff across the University and beyond, together with professionals in the field.These seminars are supported by the Association for Geographic Information in Scotland (AGI Scotland) as a professional seminar series. Edinburgh Earth Observatory seminars SatSchool SatSchool is an outreach programme for lower secondary school pupils to learn about Earth observation. The programme is designed and delivered by PhD students from the SENSE CDT and other institutions. Each module is designed to be self-contained and can be completed in a single lesson. The modules are designed to be engaging and interactive, and to help pupils learn about the relevance of STEM subjects and the pathways to Earth observation careers. SatSchool Industry projects Our researchers regularly work with external organisations to drive innovation. Industry projects This article was published on Wednesday 23 September 2026
