Chris Mesiku, a research fellow at the ANU School of Cybernetics and a visiting scientist at CSIRO’s Environment – Collaborative and Adaptive Futures Team in Canberra, Australia initially had some reservations about Digital Earth Africa (DE Africa), questioning whether it was truly an African-driven solution tailored to the continent’s unique challenges. However, after completing the 6-week Digital Earth Introduction course in just two weeks, his perspective shifted. “I must say, after completing the course, I am happy with the new insights and knowledge I’ve gained – and I’m less sceptical than I was before,” he admitted.
Chris encourages anyone who shares similar concerns to undertake the course, noting that it is structured to be accessible even to those without prior knowledge of Python programming, GIS, or satellite imagery analysis. Although designed as a six-week program, it can be completed in less than a week with dedicated effort.
As a data analyst already familiar with programming and tools like ArcGIS, Chris found the course exceptionally valuable. It deepened his understanding of Earth observation data and highlighted how creativity with indices can enhance data monitoring. He emphasized that the course is structured in a way that allows even those with no programming or data analysis experience to excel, provided they are willing to learn, ask questions, and engage with the free community of practice. “With a willingness to learn, ask questions, and actively participate in the community, anyone can quickly grasp the content and make great use of the DE Africa platform,” he noted. The supportive DE Africa community ensures that no one is left behind, as long as they remain committed and enthusiastic about tackling GIS challenges.
Key Learnings from the Training
Throughout the course, Chris gained valuable insights and hands-on experience with Earth observation data, particularly in using the Digital Earth Africa Sandbox for processing and analysis. Some of the key takeaways include:
Running Data Analysis Notebooks
The DE Africa team has developed executable Jupyter notebooks that automate workflows for analysing various environmental factors, such as crop cover, water flow levels, and urban migration. These notebooks simplify complex Earth observation data processing, making it easier for users to extract meaningful insights.
Referring to the broader Jupyter Project, Chris noted how it provides tools for interactive computing, enabling users to blend computer code, plain language descriptions, data, and rich visualizations within a single document. “It was an insightful and quick way to refresh my Jupyter Notebook skills, especially in the Earth observation data space,” he observed.
Checking Data Availability
The course provided training on how to check data availability for specific areas of interest using the DE Africa Maps portal and Metadata Explorer. This knowledge has made it easier for Chris to identify and access relevant datasets for different research questions.
Loading Earth Observation Data
Chris learned how to load satellite data from sources such as Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 for environmental monitoring. While these datasets are not owned by African countries, the analysis-ready versions are high-resolution enough for policy-level decision-making.
Working with Composite Images
The course introduced optimization techniques for environmental analysis using Earth observation data, such as cloud masking. This technique removes cloud interference from satellite images and combines multiple images to create clearer, cloud-free visualizations.
Understanding and Using Band Indices
Chris developed a stronger appreciation for band indices, which are crucial for extracting insights into key environmental factors, including crop cover, water flow levels, and urban migration.
Data Visualization
As someone passionate about data visualization and storytelling, Chris found that DE Africa supports the intuitive presentation of Earth observation data. He was able to generate compelling visualizations that highlight key trends and patterns in satellite data, often incorporating time series statistics for deeper insights.
Gaining a More Contextual Understanding
Chris was impressed with DE Africa’s provision of open and accessible data on the entire African continent that empowers local policymakers, researchers, and development professionals. Initially sceptical about whether it was just another off-the-shelf solution, he now sees it as a flexible and valuable resource for Africa. “While I was initially concerned that this was just another off-the-shelf solution, I’ve come to see that it is a valuable resource for those looking to make data-driven decisions and tackle some of Africa’s most pressing challenges,” he said. He further noted that although the platform is externally developed, its adaptability allows users to customize it for unique African contexts.
Applying Knowledge to Climate Change and Environmental Monitoring in Uganda
Chris has already applied his newfound understanding of Earth observation data to real-world challenges, particularly in Uganda, where climate change is exacerbating flooding and pollution. One notable case involves the Nyamwamba River in Kilembe, which frequently floods due to climate change and the toxic legacy of a former copper mine operated by Falconbridge. Annual floods wash hazardous materials from copper tailings pools into the river, contaminating the environment and threatening local communities.
By analysing satellite data, Chris was able to track the increasing severity of flooding in the region. His analysis of DE Africa’s satellite imagery confirmed that the Nyamwamba River has flooded more frequently over the last four years compared to the previous decade. While this does not directly attribute the flooding to climate change, it provides a data-driven validation of local claims that flooding events were previously less common.
To further explore the environmental crisis and its link to climate change, he referenced an article on Mongabay: In climate-related flooding, a Ugandan river turns poisonous.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on his experience, Chris says that the learning course was not just about satellite data. He said, “It’s about empowering African nations to use that data for creating a foundation for their own development goals, to monitor environmental changes, and to make informed decisions.”
Rather than viewing DE Africa as a tool of dependency, he now sees it as a gateway for African citizens to leverage Earth observation technologies for better environmental and resource management. Whether in agriculture, climate change monitoring, or land-use planning, access to Earth observation data is a game-changer. The course, in his view, effectively equips individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to be part of this transformation.
About Chris Mesiku
Chris Mesiku is a data analyst with a keen interest in environmental monitoring and Earth observation (EO) technologies. His expertise in GIS and programming has enabled him to explore new ways of analysing satellite data for real-world challenges. Recently, Chris used Digital Earth Africa’s (DE Africa) tools to investigate worsening flood patterns along the Nyamwamba River in Uganda—an area grappling with climate-related changes and pollution from a former copper mine.