Use the power of satellite imagery and geospatial data to take on today’s biggest sustainability challenges. In this practical, hands-on course, you’ll learn how to use Google Earth Engine (GEE) to collect, analyze, and visualize geographic data that directly supports the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Google Earth Engine SDG
GoogleIntroduction to Geo-Data and Sustainable Development
From climate change to biodiversity loss, today’s environmental challenges are urgent, complex, and global. These problems don’t just affect nature — they impact public health, food systems, economies, and everyday life. Therefore, solving them requires more than good ideas. It demands clear data, smart tools, and informed action.
This is where geo-information becomes essential. Geo-data — information tied to specific locations — helps us understand how the planet is changing. For example, it reveals where forests are disappearing, where cities are expanding, how air quality shifts, and how ecosystems recover after wildfires. In other words, it turns complex problems into measurable, visible patterns we can act on.
To coordinate global progress, the United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — 17 ambitious targets for a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable world. These goals include clean energy, responsible land use, climate action, and biodiversity protection. However, managing progress requires accurate measurement. For that reason, technology becomes crucial.
One of the most powerful tools for working with geo-data is Google Earth Engine (GEE). It’s a cloud-based platform that lets users access and analyze massive satellite imagery datasets — all through a web browser. With this in mind, GEE allows you to monitor environmental changes, explore long-term trends, and create visuals that clarify what’s happening in the world.
This course is your introduction to that world. You’ll learn to explore and analyze geospatial data using Google Earth Engine. More importantly, you’ll see how to apply these insights to real-world sustainability goals. For instance, whether you’re interested in land degradation (SDG 15.3), biodiversity (SDG 15.5), or challenges related to public health, urban development, or climate resilience (SDGs 3, 11, and 13), this course equips you with practical tools for informed, impactful work.
Regardless of your background — whether you’re a student, researcher, policymaker, or simply curious — this course will help you turn data into action. In the final analysis, it’s designed to support your contribution to a better future for both people and the planet.
What will you learn
You’ll start with the basics of geospatial data. Then, you’ll explore how it connects to global development goals. Through hands-on exercises and real-world examples, you’ll learn to use Google Earth Engine. You’ll process satellite imagery, extract insights, and create clear, compelling visualizations.
As you advance, you’ll learn to navigate the GEE interface and access satellite image collections. You’ll also apply statistical tools like reducers to summarize data effectively. In addition, you’ll perform time-series analysis to track environmental change over time. Finally, you’ll build the skills to present your findings with confidence — using maps and visuals that support research, policy, and sustainability work.
Why choose this course
At Geo-ICT, we believe that advanced tools like Google Earth Engine should be practical, accessible, and focused on real-world impact. That’s why this course is built around applied learning — where every concept connects directly to sustainability challenges.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Learn by doing: Practice with real geospatial data and hands-on exercises rooted in global sustainability issues
- Expert guidance: Led by professionals with deep expertise in geo-information, environmental monitoring, and sustainable development
- No barriers: Use Google Earth Engine — a free, cloud-based platform — without the need for expensive licenses or software
- In-demand skills: Build technical capabilities that are highly relevant across sectors like climate policy, urban planning, and conservation
- Mission-driven learning: Go beyond theory to understand how geo-data directly supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
Whether you’re starting with spatial analysis or looking to sharpen your data-driven sustainability toolkit, this course offers a clear, applied path into the world of geospatial intelligence.
Course structure
Day 1
In this hands-on, one-day course, you’ll explore how Google Earth Engine (GEE) can be used to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through geospatial analysis.
You’ll start with an introduction to the SDGs and their connection to environmental data. Then, you’ll get practical experience using GEE tools like image collections and reducers for efficient data processing.
The course also covers data visualization and interpretation techniques, helping you communicate insights clearly. You’ll perform time series analysis to track changes in land and ecosystems, supporting goals like SDG 15.3 (sustainable land management) and SDG 15.5 (biodiversity conservation).
Finally, you’ll explore air quality monitoring using GEE, with examples linked to SDG 3 (health), SDG 11 (sustainable cities), and SDG 13 (climate action). By the end of the day, you’ll be able to apply geospatial tools to real-world sustainability challenges.
Learning objectives
- Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Students will gain an understanding of the SDGs, including their significance, objectives, and relevance for global development and sustainability.
- Skill in geospatial analysis with Google Earth Engine (GEE): Students will learn how to use GEE for efficient geospatial data processing and analysis, with a focus on monitoring SDG indicators.
- Proficiency in data visualization and interpretation: Students will acquire advanced techniques for data visualization and interpretation, specifically aimed at presenting and understanding geospatial data related to the SDGs.
- Capacity for policy-relevant research and analysis: Students will be able to perform geospatial analyses to monitor progress towards SDG goals, providing valuable insights for policy-making and decision-making at both national and international levels.
More Information?
Do you have questions about the course content? Not sure if the course aligns with your learning objectives? Or would you prefer a private session or in-company training? We’re happy to assist—feel free to get in touch.
Frequentley Asked Questions about Google Earth Engine SDG
This course focuses on using Google Earth Engine for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), teaching participants how to analyze and visualize geospatial data to contribute to sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation.
By acquiring practical skills in geospatial analysis and data visualization with Google Earth Engine, participants can directly contribute to research and projects related to SDG 15.3 and 15.5, such as sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation.
Students will learn how to manage, analyze, and visualize image collections for advanced geospatial insights, with a focus on techniques such as time-series analysis and the use of reducers for data processing.
Google Earth Engine provides powerful tools for geospatial analysis and visualization, which are essential for environmental studies and monitoring SDG progress. This platform enables users to process large datasets for policy-relevant research and decision-making in sustainable development.
The course is designed for entry-level geo-specialists, experienced geo-professionals, companies in the geospatial sector, career changers, and educational institutions looking to expand their knowledge in using Google Earth Engine for geospatial analysis and contributing to sustainable development goals.