Geo-Spatial and AI Techniques: Advancements in Earth and Environmental Resource Applications

Dear Colleagues,

The convergence of geo-spatial technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the perception, management, and protection of the Earth and environmental resources.  This is enabled by revolutions in enhanced data acquisition, the availability of high-resolution satellite data, the precision of data collection with UAVs/drones, and breakthroughs in Deep Learning (DL), Machine Learning (ML), Generative AI, Spatio-Temporal AI, Explainable AI (XAI), GeoAI Foundation Models, and Big Geo-spatial Data Analytics like Google Earth Engine (GEE) and Digital Twins of the Earth. This integration extends the scope and implications of this study to research on air, land, water, geology, soil, agriculture, and coastal resources. This includes the monitoring, modelling, prediction, and optimization of climate change and disaster management, agriculture and food security, water resources management, changes in Land Use and Land Cover (LULC), infrastructure monitoring, biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, and preservation of mineral resources.

The integration of data and democratization of methodologies are challenging and raise ethical considerations. Thus, this Special Issue “Geo-Spatial and AI Techniques: Advancements in Earth and Environmental Resource Applications” welcomes the submission of original research articles, reviews, communications, and concept papers that demonstrate the real advancements of geo-spatial and AI techniques representing a paradigm shift in Earth and environmental sciences. Its scope now extends beyond mapping to predictive, prescriptive, and autonomous intelligence systems for planetary stewardship, with a future focused on integrated, explainable, and accessible models that can empower scientists, policymakers, and communities to make data-driven decisions for a sustainable and resilient future. This field is significant for addressing the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management.

Dr. Sankaran Rajendran
Dr. J. Aravinth
Dr. Geetha Srikanth
Dr. Sathishkumar Samiappan
Guest Editors

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