Exploring WEkEO’s EOCanvas: A Serverless Solution for Copernicus Data Processing
WEkEO’s EOCanvas is a new serverless function designed to support the processing of all Copernicus Earth Observation (EO) data directly within the cloud, enabling users to perform operations without downloading vast datasets. This serverless capability is built on WEkEO's Harmonized Data Access (HDA) API, simplifying the use of Earth Observation data from the Copernicus programme to monitor environmental variables.
The Key Functionalities of EOCanvas
A Serverless Processing Service
EOCanvas enables users to process data without requiring local storage or infrastructure. Users can use the EOCanvas through a python package or by directly interfacing with the API. Through the integration of commonly used geospatial software, such as SNAP or the EUMETSAT Data Tailor, the service enables a flexible and customizable solution for processing Earth Observation data. By performing all operations in the cloud, it allows flexible data handling, making EO data analysis more accessible and efficient.
Customisable Workflow
With EOCanvas, users can design workflows that fit their unique needs. Instead of rigid, pre-set steps, EOCanvas allows flexibility: users can mix and match tools, choose specific data sources and easily adjust analysis steps. This customisation is especially useful for different types of Earth Observation projects, whether focused on tracking environmental changes, weather patterns or other data-driven studies. Users can be inspired by available examples, learning about the broad range of possibilities EOCanvas offers for various data processing steps: Subsetting large satellite images to a small area of interest , creating a data cube or extracting pixel values at specific locations from satellite imagery.
Streamlined Data Access and Result Management
With direct access to Copernicus data via WEkEO’s HDA API, users can easily retrieve EO data and perform cloud-based processing. It is also possible to import own data to the EOCanvas workflows by connecting to S3 buckets. Results can then be previewed and downloaded to the users local machine or a S3 bucket for further analysis.
Comprehensive Documentation and Open-Source
Development EOCanvas’s documentation is hosted on GitHub and Read the Docs, where users can find setup instructions, use-case examples and coding references. As an open-source tool, EOCanvas allows community collaboration, making it a dynamic addition to WEkEO’s toolkit that encourages user feedback and contributions.
WEkEO’s continuous commitment to enhancing user experience
EOCanvas marks a significant advancement in cloud-based EO data processing by removing traditional infrastructure requirements, facilitating complex workflows and broadening the potential for innovative environmental research. EOCanvas brings streamlined accessibility and efficient analysis of Copernicus data to a broader audience, supporting critical environmental monitoring projects.
Try it out now!
The EOCanvas is ready for users to try it out. Examples and Jupyter Notebooks on the EOCanvas can be accessed directly inside the WEkEO JupyterHub: