Monitoring the quality and condition of our planet's atmosphere is important in that it helps us to understand how we may be affected, and is an essential tool in forecasting weather events.

Surveillance and security can be difficult to manage from the ground. Observations from space can make monitoring borders and sea routes much easier, and track developing situations.

Information on the state and dynamics of the ocean and coastal zones can be used to help protect and manage the marine environment and resources more effectively, as well as ensure safety at sea and monitor pollution from oil spills and other events.

When an emergency occurs, satellite data can prove essential in forming a response. Historical data can provide perspective on a situation, while current data can help to analyse and manage the emergency.

Satellites are a vital tool in monitoring our world's changing climate, providing wide-scale views of affected areas and contributing to growing archives of data for use in long-term studies.

Monitoring the Earth's land is useful for many fields, particularly agriculture, forestry, topography, and land-cover and land-change studies. The data can be used to track current trends and predict future changes.