Co-organised and taught SESAC’s first Earth Observation training in Lund, Sweden
On 24–25 September 2026, SESAC held its first in-person event in Lund: the Beginner Earth Observation Analysis Series. Around 30 participants joined us for two days of learning, discussion and hands-on work with Earth observation, GIS and spatial analysis.
The training was designed for people who want to work with satellite and geospatial data but don’t come from a traditional Earth observation or remote-sensing background. That showed in the room. Participants were students, researchers and professionals from several universities and organisations, with backgrounds in social science, human geography, environmental science, planning, natural science and engineering.
That mix was the point. One of SESAC’s central goals is to lower the barriers to using Earth observation in research and practice, particularly in disciplines where satellite data and spatial analysis haven’t been part of the standard methods toolkit.
From satellite fundamentals to societal applications
Over the two days, the programme moved from the basics to applications. It covered how satellites observe the Earth, the different types of imagery and spatial data, and how to interpret Earth observation data visually. Demonstrations and hands-on exercises made the tools and concepts approachable for beginners.
We connected these fundamentals to societal questions: urban and sustainable development, flooding, critical infrastructure and accessibility. Rather than treating Earth observation as a source of pretty images, we encouraged participants to combine spatial information with their own research questions, contextual knowledge and other data.
My part
I helped organise and facilitate the programme, and prepared instructional materials for the introductory Earth observation and GIS activities. I also built and maintain the event’s GitHub page with the course materials: GITHUB LINK.
An engaged, interdisciplinary group
What stayed with me most was how much people took part. Questions and discussions ran through both days, as participants worked out how the methods and tools could fit their own research, studies and work.
The feedback was just as encouraging. Participants said the training built their confidence with Earth observation and GIS, gave them new ways of thinking about spatial data, and sparked ideas for their own work. Many want to keep exploring and join future SESAC activities.
That is what introductory training like this is for. The aim isn’t to teach one software package or technique. It is to give people enough understanding and confidence to keep exploring geospatial approaches themselves, and to connect people who come at societal questions from very different disciplines.
The programme was organised, prepared and delivered by Ola Hall, Stefanos Georganos, Lina Eklund, Amalia Chantziara, Tilly Laestander, Sri Lestari and me.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Lund, asked questions, shared ideas and made the two days so open and enthusiastic. This is only the beginning: more SESAC workshops, training and collaborative events are already underway as we build a community around Earth observation and geospatial data for societal research.