Big Data from Space refers to the massive spatio-temporal Earth and Space observation data collected by a variety of sensors ranging from ground based to space-borne and the synergetic use of data coming from other sources and communities. This domain is currently facing sharp development with numerous new initiatives and breakthroughs from intelligent sensors to data science. These developments are empowering new approaches and applications in various and diverse domains influencing life on earth, from sensing cities, monitoring human settlements and urban areas to climate change and security.

Information based developments such as spatio-temporal and long time-series data analytics, data cubes, smart data management, information extraction technologies, computational intelligence, platforms and services are undergoing a fast evolution.

In addition, the recent multiplication of open access initiatives to Big Data from Space is giving momentum to the field by widening substantially the spectrum of users as well as awareness among the public while offering new opportunities for scientists, value-adding companies and institutions. Benefits are expected at all levels from individual citizens to the whole society.

The objective of this conference is to stimulate interactions and bring together researchers, engineers, users, infrastructure and service providers, interested in exploiting Big Data from Space. Detailed objectives include:

• Present and discuss results, progresses and emerging challenges, including open data access and open science;
• Involve users and service providers in the definition of a roadmap for future developments;
• Identify priorities for research, technology development and innovation;
• Widen competences and expertise of universities, research institutes, labs, SMEs and other industrial actors;
• Foster networking of experts and users towards better access and sharing of data, tools, infrastructures, resources and incubation of services;
• Leverage innovation, spin-in and spin-off of technologies, and business development arising from research and industry progress;
• Increase and promote the value stemming from the huge quantity of data made available at an ever increasing rate.

The BiDS'17 Conference is co-organised by the European Space Agency (ESA), the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, and the European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen). This is the third edition of the BiDS conference series. It will be hosted by the Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES) in Toulouse, one of the key European cities with activities focused on space and aerospace developments and applications.


Conference Chairs:

General Chair P. Soille - JRC,

Co-Chair S. Albani - SatCen,
Co-Chair J.-P. Gleyzes - CNES,
Co-Chair P.G. Marchetti - ESA