Advancements in the Open Data Cube and Analysis Ready Data — Past, Present and Future

Abstract

The Open Data Cube (ODC), created and facilitated by the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), is an open source software architecture that supports analysis-ready satellite data packaged into “cubes” to minimize data preparation complexity and take advantage of modern computing for increased value and impact of Earth observation data. Since its inception in 2017, the ODC has fostered a community to develop, sustain and grow the technology and its applications. Such early success has resulted in bold goals for facilitating the implementation of country-level data cubes around the world to achieve a virtual global data cube through connected regional deployments. Advancements in the ODC infrastructure and its associated application algorithms along with a regional demonstration in Africa suggest this goal is achievable. In addition, there are also considerable advancements in the specification, production and use of Analysis Ready Data (ARD), which is the core element of any data cube deployment. Such advancements will optimize the value of ARD for global users by demonstrating increased access and use of diverse datasets, interoperability between datasets, and increased use of machine learning. This paper summarizes the past, present and future of the ODC and ARD initiatives.