NODA Hosted the International Technical Workshop of the Earth Observation Southern Asia Cooperation Network

YU Wenyang¹  LI Guoqing¹  WU Bonan¹  LU Yihang¹  Bounheuang Yachongtou²

1. Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China;

2. Faculty of Social Sciences, National University of Laos, Vientiane 01080, Laos

Abstract: On June 30, 2026, the National Earth Observation Data Center (NODA) hosted the International Technical Workshop on Tropical Asia Cooperation Network about Earth Observation at the Beijing Olympic Park Campus of the Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The workshop brought together over 10 international delegates from three countries—the National University of Laos (Laos), Jagannath University (Bangladesh), and Mahanakorn University of Technology (Thailand)—along with more than 50 Chinese experts and scholars from research institutes, universities, national data centers, and commercial space companies. The workshop featured in-depth discussions on cooperation mechanisms for Earth observation data and the development of localized data governance capacities in the Tropical Asia region. The parties reached broad consensus on future collaboration directions, including technical training, talent exchange, and joint research.

Keywords: NODA; data governance; international cooperation; Southern Asia; capacity building

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3974/geodp.2026.04.13

On June 30, 2026, the International Technical Workshop of the Earth Observation Southern Asia Cooperation Network was held in Beijing, hosted by the National Earth Observation Data Center (NODA) of the Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The workshop centered on Earth observation cooperation in the Tropical Asia region, with a particular focus on enhancing partner countries’ autonomous data governance capacities and advancing the localization of data management, processing, and services. The core strategic direction of the workshop was to shift from traditional “data export” toward “capacity co-building”, aiming to achieve two-way flow and long-term sustainable utilization of regional data resources.

Established in 2019, NODA is a national-level scientific data facility in China. It coordinates 25 specialized sub-centers and manages resources from over 100 remote sensing satellites. In recent years, NODA has actively promoted international cooperation with Tropical Asia countries including Laos, Bangladesh, and Thailand. This International Technical Workshop was convened on the basis of these existing collaborations, addressing the practical needs for regional data governance capacity enhancement.

More than 10 international delegates from three countries—the National University of Laos (Laos), Jagannath University (Bangladesh), and Mahanakorn University of Technology (Thailand)—together with over 50 Chinese experts and scholars from the National Earth Observation Data Center, Hainan Satellite Data and Application Research Center (China National Space Administration), Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGSNRR, CAS), Zhengzhou University, Zhongke Satellite Technology Group Co., Ltd., and Spacety Co., Ltd., participated in the workshop.

The workshop was chaired by Professor LI Guoqing, Director of the National Earth Observation Data Center. In his opening remarks, Director LI pointed out that building localized data governance capacity is a core issue in Earth observation cooperation in the Tropical Asia region. He emphasized that the cooperation should drive the transition from traditional remote sensing data sharing toward collaborative capacity building in data governance. He stressed that helping partner countries establish independent data management systems and achieving two-way flow and sustainable utilization of regional data resources are the primary goals of this cooperation. Director LI also introduced NODA’s overall strategy and recent progress in promoting international cooperation in Earth observation data.

During the technical exchange sessions, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on scientific data cooperation and data governance capacity enhancement. International delegates presented the current status of remote sensing data applications and localization needs in their respective countries. Thematic discussions were held on topics including remote sensing intelligent processing technologies, representative remote sensing satellite data products, Analysis Ready Data (ARD) products, and scientific data publishing and sharing.

Dr. Somkhit Boulidam from the National University of Laos introduced the current status of remote sensing data applications in agricultural monitoring in Laos, noting that limited data access channels and insufficient local processing capabilities are the main bottlenecks. Dr. Manop Aorpimai from Mahanakorn University of Technology shared Thailand’s progress in the field of remote sensing and case studies of localized applications. Dr. Mohammad Abdul Quader from Jagannath University presented the needs and technical challenges of remote sensing applications in flood disaster monitoring in Bangladesh.

The participants also discussed ways to enhance partner countries’ localized data governance and application capabilities through technical training, talent exchange, and standardization alignment. Representatives from Zhengzhou University presented research findings on remote sensing intelligent processing technologies. Professor LIU Chuang from the IGSNRR, CAS, delivered a technical report on scientific data publishing and sharing. Delegates from various countries shared their research progress in application areas including remote sensing-based crop yield estimation, landmark habitats and agricultural product management, and natural disaster emergency response.

A fundamental consensus reached at the workshop was that localized data governance capacity serves as a foundational condition for regional cooperation. Participants agreed that sharing experiences and technical approaches in data governance among countries will help Southern Asia countries gradually develop autonomous capabilities in data application. All parties expressed their commitment to taking this workshop as an opportunity to deepen cooperation in data governance capacity enhancement, joint research, and talent development, jointly advancing the development of the Tropical Asia Earth Observation Cooperation Network to provide data support for regional sustainable development.

The workshop laid a solid foundation for the development of the Southern Asia Earth Observation Cooperation Network. It was decided that the first round of technical training programs for Tropical Asia countries would be launched in the second half of 2026, with joint research initiatives to be carried out in priority areas including agricultural monitoring and disaster emergency response.