Satellite data for journalists: turning Earth images into stories

This recorded webinar introduces journalists and climate reporters to the practical use of satellite data and cloud computing to analyse changes on the Earth’s surface.

The session explains how satellite imagery can be processed into maps and measurements that show how land is used and how it evolves over time. It presents the core principles behind satellite-based land monitoring, including the use of high-resolution imagery, automated analysis tools, and online platforms that make Earth observation data accessible to non-specialists. Through concrete examples, the webinar shows how climate journalists can use this data to support investigations, strengthen evidence, and visualise environmental change. Topics include long-term trends affecting forests, cities, agricultural land, and natural areas, with links to climate change, deforestation, urbanisation, and land degradation.

The webinar focuses on the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS), with an overview of its main datasets and journalistic applications. It demonstrates two key tools used during the session: the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem, which provides access to open and free Earth observation data from the Copernicus Sentinel satellites, and the CLMS Data Viewer, which allows users to explore and visualise CLMS products directly.

Designed for journalists with little or no prior experience in Earth observation, the recording combines short presentations with practical examples to show how satellite data can be turned into evidence-based stories.

Viewers will learn:

• Where to find relevant satellite data, how to access it, and what quality standards apply
• How to move from raw data to a clear journalistic story

This webinar was co-organised by the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS) and the European Journalism Centre (EJC).