About NCEO

Our scientists use data from Earth observation satellites to monitor global and regional changes in the environment, as well as to learn more about the Earth system and improve predictions of future environmental conditions.Our scientists collaborate within eight broad research categories and we hold an annual conference to bring all these scientific advances together.

The NCEO is based in the United Kingdom. We work closely with the UK satellite industry and international space organisations to ensure that our scientific understanding is delivered to the wider community. By forming collaborations between business and our scientists we have informed innovation in Earth Observation as well as pushed forward the cutting edge of scientific understanding.

The National Centre for Earth Observation is one of the Natural Environment Research Council's (NERC) family of centres. The NCEO collaborates closely with these centres, a range of NERC services and facilities, and with the wider academic community to deliver NERC's science strategy.

Through our research, the NCEO provides scientific direction for Earth observation facilities which are supported by NERC. These facilities include the Dundee satellite receiving station and the Dornier 228 aircraft operated by the Airborne Research and Survey Facility.

Our Objectives are:

• To exploit the potential of EO to deliver world class science for quantification and integration of critical Earth system processes in line with NERC's priorities.


• To overcome the challenging scientific, technical and organisational issues required to exploit EO.


• To broaden the use of EO by the science community and build an in-depth, national science and technology capability that will place the UK in the forefront of EO exploitation.


• To provide reliable information and tools that will enable government, business and citizens to manage the environment wisely and predict how it will change.