Leveraging Earth observation data for surveillance of vector-borne diseases in changing environments

Vector-borne disease transmission is driven by environmental factors determining the distribution and spread of pathogens, vectors and human and animal populations. Earth observation (EO) data, such as satellite and drone imagery, can be used to characterise these factors and identify high risk geographical areas and populations. While the use of EO data to understand vector-borne disease epidemiology has a long history, the rapid expansion of satellite and aerial data, analysis methods and computing power offer new opportunities to integrate EO data into disease surveillance. We review sources and characteristics of EO data and analysis methods, identify commonly used EO-derived metrics for a range of diseases and present case studies on specific applications of EO data for disease surveillance. We additionally describe key considerations for disease control programmes considering the use of EO data, highlighting the applicability of different data types and analysis methods for different ecological contexts and use-cases.