NODES will mobilize the tools of citizen and data science combined with Earth observations to monitor, analyze, and foster progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To realize this vision, NODES will exploit novel data ecosystems in which several actors interact via infrastructure, analytics, and applications to produce, analyze, exchange, and consume data.

Three main cross-fertilizing pillars characterize the research focus of NODES: 

  • Advancing the field of citizen science: NODES will remain at the forefront of citizen science from conceptual advancements to innovations in citizen science practice, including the development of new means to acquire, analyze, and openly share citizen science data, as well as how citizen science can contribute to the SDGs and sustainability.
  • Enriching Earth observation: NODES will utilize new types of Earth observation technology (e.g., high-resolution imagery, drones, and the Internet of things (IoT)) and develop applications that focus on the interplay between Earth observation and citizen science using Geo-Wiki tools, various forms of remote sensing, and on-site observation.
  • Exploiting the digital revolution: NODES will harness the opportunities arising from the digital revolution by exploiting advancements in computing capabilities, data science (e.g., machine and deep learning), environmental informatics, and the geospatial sciences, among others, to enhance integrated systems science research and generate new and innovative data sets for further insights.

Models, tools, datasets

Overhead aerial view of city streets

Earth Observation & Citizen Science (Geo-Wiki)

Aerial of crops

Picture Pile

Projects

Image

Urban ReLeaf - Citizen-powered data ecosystems for inclusive and green urban transitions

Space satellite orbiting the earth

Open-Earth-Monitor Cyberinfrastructure (OEMC)

Staff

Dahlia Domian profile picture

Dahlia Domian

Program and Project Officer/Finance Coordinator (ASA, NODES, EM)

No image available

Laura Montoya

Research Assistant (NODES, AFE)

Martin Hofer profile picture

Martin Hofer

Researcher (NODES)

No image available

Gary Watmough

Guest Research Scholar (NODES)

News

Young African woman with cellphone

15 March 2023

Helping young Africans innovate for climate resilience

Africa is the continent that will be most adversely affected by climate change. IIASA researchers are collaborating on Yoma OR – an ambitious project aimed at helping young people grow their digital skills as a first step on a journey from learning to earning using AI, blockchain, and crowdsourcing.
Ecology, green cities help the world with eco-friendly concept

25 January 2023

Driving inclusive and green urban transitions

A new Horizon Europe project led by IIASA called Urban ReLeaf leverages citizen science for public sector innovation.  
Network, community concept on blue background

05 October 2022

Citizen science goes global

On 3 October 2022, citizen science networks and practitioners from around the world welcomed the formation of the Citizen Science Global Partnership (CSGP), a newly established association which seeks to promote and advance citizen science for a sustainable world.

Events

Focus

28 March 2023

The future of biodiversity monitoring in Europe

Policy Brief #37, March 2023. Increasing the policy impact and effectiveness of biodiversity monitoring in Europe: current state and gaps.
Globe on moss
Modern agricultural technology concepts superimposed on seedling

15 February 2023

From farm to space and back: adapting Austrian agriculture to climate change

Juan Carlos Laso Bayas and colleagues reflect on the outcomes of the SATFARM Services project, which set out to create models that demonstrate the potential of satellite data to track climate-smart agricultural practices and visualize indicators to track their success in a prototype web platform for Austrian farmers.

05 December 2022

Building trust in science for a sustainable future

Options Magazine, Winter 2022: Science-informed policy is crucial to solving the interconnected and complex global to local problems society faces today. There is, however, one essential element that is critical to the success of such an ambitious endeavor: trust in the scientific information provided.
Building trust in science

Publications