The journal Big Earth Data was first launched in 2017 and has since stood out as the world’s first scholarly journal dedicated to Earth-related big data, emerging as a flagship platform at the intersection of Earth science, space science, information science, and sustainability science. Over the past decade, we have witnessed and fostered transformative advancements, from multi-source data fusion to large-model-driven analysis and from cloud computing platforms to digital twin Earth, while upholding a commitment to supporting sustainable development, bridging the digital divide, and fostering equitable access to Earth data resources.
The journal has published pioneering research that leverages Earth observations, big data analytics, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainable urbanization, disaster monitoring, etc. The journal has also become a trusted platform, bringing together researchers, engineers, policymakers, and practitioners to share innovative ideas, methodological advances, and real-world applications that position Big Earth Data as a “new key to understanding the Earth” and a “new engine for Earth science.”
To celebrate the journal’s 10th anniversary, we invite submissions to a special issue that reflects on the journal’s decade-long impact, showcases cutting-edge advancements in Big Earth Data research, and defines future directions for the field. This special issue will not only honor the progress made but also encourage the community to tackle emerging challenges and seize opportunities in the next era of data-driven Earth science.
We seek original research articles, comprehensive reviews, perspective papers that align with the journal’s mission and highlight the breadth and depth of Big Earth Data research. In addition to methodological and analytical advances, the Special Issue also welcomes contributions on global Earth data infrastructures and reference systems that support long-term monitoring, international comparability, and policy-relevant applications. Such datasets and platforms play a critical role in bridging scientific innovation with operational use, including sustainable development monitoring, risk assessment, and global reporting frameworks.
Submissions may draw on or contribute to international and regional Earth observation programmes and data infrastructures, including initiatives led in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, such as GEO, Copernicus, NASA- and NOAA-supported programmes, Chinese Earth observation missions and data platforms, and emerging African Earth observation infrastructures.
Submissions are encouraged across (but not limited to) the following themes:
1. Methodological and Technological Advances in Big Earth Data
2. Big Earth Data and Artificial Intelligence for Earth Science
3. Big Earth Data for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
4. Infrastructure, Platforms and Reference Systems for Global Big Earth Data Collaboration
5. Interdisciplinary Applications in Earth System and Human–Earth Systems Science
6. Retrospect and Future Visions
Submission Instructions
Important Dates
Manuscript Submission Information
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting your manuscript. Once you have finished preparing your manuscript, please submit it through the Taylor & Francis Submission Portal , ensuring that you select the appropriate Special Issue. Publication charges (APCs) may be waived for invited manuscripts submitted to Big Earth Data , subject to approval based on their quality and potential impact. Authors who need a waiver code should contact the Editorial Office ( guanll@aircas.ac.cn ) before submitting.
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