Dr Pamela Ochungo is a geospatial scientist on a mission to bridge the past and the future - from space. With a PhD in Conservation Ecology and a current postdoctoral role at the British Institute in Eastern Africa, her work applies Earth Observation (EO) to environmental monitoring, archaeological site preservation, and sustainable land use. In this Q&A, Dr Ochungo shares how platforms like Digital Earth Africa are transforming how African researchers access and apply satellite data, and why it's a game-changer for heritage conservation, collaboration, and cutting-edge research across the continent.
Let’s start with a little about you. Can you briefly describe your academic and research background?
I am a geospatial scientist and researcher with a PhD in Conservation Ecology, currently serving as a postdoctoral researcher at the British Institute in Eastern Africa. My academic work focuses on the application of Earth Observation (EO) and remote sensing in environmental monitoring, heritage conservation, and sustainable land use. I have led and collaborated on several research projects across Africa, particularly in the use of EO to understand land cover dynamics, archaeological site monitoring, and biodiversity conservation. I also actively mentor young professionals and students in geospatial science through initiatives such as African Women in GIS and Women in Space Kenya.
How did you first come across Digital Earth Africa, and what drew you to explore its tools for your research?
I was introduced to Digital Earth Africa through the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development International Conference (RIC) of 2022 and my broader involvement in the African remote sensing research community. The platform stood out to me for its emphasis on accessibility, its continent-wide coverage, and the ease with which it allows researchers to analyse freely available satellite data using analysis-ready scripts without requiring high-end computing infrastructure.
Tell us about your current research. What is the focus, and how does Earth Observation data fit into your work?
My current research focuses on monitoring environmental change and human impact on archaeological and cultural heritage sites across Kenya and parts of Africa. I use remote sensing and GIS to track land use/land cover changes, detect early signs of degradation, and assess threats to these sites. EO data, including Sentinel-2 and Landsat imagery accessed through platforms like DE Africa, is central to this work. Further, I use high resolution imagery on Google Earth Pro Explorer to detect and georeferenced archaeological sites.
How has using DE Africa’s platform enriched your research journey so far? Are there specific tools or datasets that stand out for you?
DE Africa has significantly reduced the barriers to accessing and processing EO data at scale. The DEA Coastlines product, Land Cover and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) anomaly products have been particularly useful in my research on coastal heritage site vulnerability and environmental degradation. The ease of data access via the Sandbox has allowed for faster prototyping and collaboration with colleagues
Can you share a pivotal moment or breakthrough in your work that was made possible thanks to DE Africa's resources?
A significant breakthrough in my research was the publication of our recent paper, "Shoreline Dynamics and Cultural Heritage Sites in Kenya, Tanzania, and Senegal: Integrating Remote Sensing and Archaeological Knowledge," in the Journal of Maps (2025). This study aimed to assess the vulnerability of coastal heritage sites to shoreline changes and sea-level rise. Utilizing Digital Earth Africa's (DE Africa) high-resolution satellite imagery and analytical tools, we were able to monitor and analyse shoreline dynamics over time. The platform's accessible and comprehensive datasets allowed us to identify areas where cultural heritage sites are at risk due to coastal erosion and other environmental factors. This integration of Earth Observation data with archaeological research provided valuable insights that are instrumental in informing conservation strategies and policy decisions to protect these invaluable sites.
In your opinion, what makes DE Africa a valuable resource for African researchers like yourself?
DE Africa levels the playing field for African researchers by making high-quality satellite data and analytics tools accessible and free. It empowers researchers in resource-constrained settings to conduct cutting-edge analysis without needing advanced infrastructure, while also providing support for capacity development and collaboration.
Have you collaborated with other researchers or institutions through your use of DE Africa? If so, how has this network influenced your work?
Yes, through DE Africa-related trainings and projects, I’ve connected with researchers across the continent and globally. These collaborations have enriched my research perspective, led to co-authored publications, and opened up avenues for joint funding proposals and student exchanges.
What do you see as the main barriers to wider adoption of Earth Observation data in the research community, and how might we overcome them?
Key barriers include limited digital literacy, lack of awareness of available EO resources, and insufficient internet access or computing power in some areas. These can be overcome through structured capacity building, inclusion of EO in university curricula, better internet infrastructure, and expanded outreach to non-traditional research audiences.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of DE Africa, especially in terms of supporting cutting-edge research across the continent?
I hope DE Africa continues to expand its dataset offerings, enhance training materials in local languages, and foster an even stronger user community. I also envision the platform integrating AI-driven analytics for faster decision-making and supporting localized applications for climate resilience, agriculture, and heritage preservation amongst others.
Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to a young researcher considering using DE Africa tools, what would it be?
I would advise them to start exploring early; don’t wait until you’re a specialist. DE Africa’s tools are intuitive and supported by an active community. Combine curiosity with purpose, and you'll find not only data but opportunities for growth, networking, and impact.