How openEO standardizes workflows for scalable and reusable EO data analysis

In an era of unprecedented availability of Earth Observation (EO) data, the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem (CDSE) emerges as a vital platform to bridge the gap between data accessibility and actionable insights. With petabytes of freely accessible satellite data at our fingertips and multiple operational data processing platforms in place, many of the foundational challenges of accessing and processing sensor data have been addressed. Yet, the widespread adoption of EO-based applications remains below expectations. The challenge lies in the effective extraction of relevant information from the data. While numerous R&D projects demonstrate the possibilities of EO, their results are often neither repeatable nor reusable, primarily due to prototype-level implementations and overly tailored, non-standardized workflows.  

CDSE tackles these barriers by adopting common standards and patterns, most notably through openEO, an interface designed to standardize EO workflow execution across platforms. openEO enables the development of reusable workflows that are scalable and transferable, paving the way for systematic and objective monitoring of the planet. CDSE has already integrated openEO as a core processing interface, and further advancements are underway, including the integration of Sentinel Hub to support openEO. This integration will enhance instantaneous visualization, synchronous API requests, and batch processing, as well as support openEO process graphs within the Copernicus Browser, bringing the simplicity and speed of Sentinel Hub’s synchronous engine to the openEO ecosystem.  

CDSE’s openEO capabilities are already validated through large-scale operational projects such as ESA WorldCereal and Copernicus Global Land Cover and Tropical Forestry Mapping and Monitoring Service (LCFM), which leverage its robust, scalable, and reliable infrastructure. Additionally, the openEO Algorithm Plaza fosters collaboration by enabling the easy sharing and reuse of processing workflows, while the Bring Your Own Data feature allows users to integrate their datasets into the ecosystem, promoting data interoperability and collaborative advancements.  

CDSE is embracing a federated approach, allowing additional data or service providers to become part of the ecosystem. This inclusivity ensures a growing network of interoperable services while maintaining technical and operational stability—a cornerstone for broad adoption and long-term sustainability.  

By addressing the need for operational and reusable workflows with openEO and related initiatives, CDSE is not only advancing the technical landscape of EO but also fostering a culture of repeatable, scalable, and impactful science. Through this session, we aim to spark a discussion on how to make EO applications more accessible, reusable, and impactful for the global community.