Name: Faith Elijah A.

Maebano Course & Year: BSCS 3A

Subject: ICE 322 – Professional Elective (Cloud Computing)

Research Article Analysis 1

Innovation Opportunities, Benefits and other Challenges in Cloud Computing

Introduction
Three articles were chosen from for Article Analysis relative to Cloud Computing, namely
‘Big Data with Cloud Computing: Discussions and Challenges’ (Sandhu, 2022), ‘Google Earth
Engine Cloud Computing Platform for Remote Sensing Big Data Applications: A Comprehensive
Review’ (Amani et al., 2020), and ‘Enabling the Big Earth Observation Data via Cloud Computing
and DGGS: Opportunities and Challenges’ (Yao et al., 2020). Big Data with Cloud Computing
tackled various cloud services, such as Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Amazon web Services,
International Business Machine cloud, Hortonworks and MapR, which could provide a powerful
environment for Big Data storage and analysis. The study conducted a comparative analysis for
different cloud-based big data frameworks. Amani et al., (2020) performed a comprehensive
review on 450 journal articles published in 150 journals from January 2010 to May 2020 about
new opportunities for Remote Sensing by utilizing Google Earth Engine (GEE), which is a cloud
computing platform for processing Big Earth Observation Data (BEOD) developed in 2010. The
researchers discovered that Landsat and Sentinel datasets were commonly used among GEE users.
The focus of the analysis is the study of Yao, Li, Xia, Ben, Cao, Zha, Ma, Zhang, and Zhu
published on December 23, 2019 in the Remote Sensing 2020 journal of mdpi. The article
addresses three key points: BEOD, Cloud Computing, and Discrete Global Grid System (DGGS).
Earth Observation (EO) data has entered the realm of Big Data with the rapid accumulation of data
collected from different earth observation technologies and remote sensing satellites, such as the
Sentinel family from the European Space Agency (ESA) capturing 41.35 petabytes volume of data.
Thus, the need for Cloud computing technologies, which can provide the computing power needed
in handling the big geospatial data management and processing, enabling complex simulations on
a worldwide scale. However, as stated by the researchers in the study, there is the lack of standard
spatiotemporal unified framework for global data processing, which hinders cloud computing in
performing its biggest advantage. Yao, et al., (2020) proposed integrating a unified spatiotemporal
unified framework, that is the Discrete Global Grid System (DGGS), with BEOD and cloud
computing into a closed-loop solution.
Cloud computing could provide various opportunities for processing and handling BEOD
contributing to new discoveries and further understanding of the Earth System, such as studying
climate change, environmental monitoring, and providing abundant data resource for building a
digital Earth. It is the key to transforming BEOD into a valuable resource of information (Value),
one of the characteristics of Big Data.
Summary
According to Yao, et al., (2020), Earth Observation (EO) Data are images of the objective
world characterized by three dimensions, namely space, time and observed characteristics. It
provides rich data on environmental conditions for long time monitoring and earth images, which
can be used for multiple applications, for instance GPS, earth maps, and weather updates (Albani
& Maggio, 2020; Corbane et al., 2017; Sudmanns et al., 2023). Big Earth Observation data is
classified as a big data as it is described by its large volume, data intensity, great variety, multiple
resolution, global scale and time series. However, BEOD is impossible grasp with traditional
technologies for data management and processing.
Cloud computing can solve the lack of computational power and storage capacity for
BEOD. However, the author emphasized that the traditional cloud computing technology cannot
be applied to its full potential as it cannot take into account the unique characteristics and
requirements of spatial dataset essentially, including geographic location, geometry, and
spatiotemporal aspects. This limitation necessitates the need for spatial cloud computing (SCC) in
order to better address these characteristics. SCC aims to solve the four intensive issues related to
geospatial problems, Data: large and complex data (e.g., high-resolution imagery, sensor data, and
geographic information), Computation: analyzing complex computation (e.g., spatial queries,
geospatial modelling, and image processing), Concurrent: involving multiple users or processes
(e.g., simultaneously accessing and manipulating spatial data), and Spatiotemporal: characterized
by both space and time (e.g., managing and analyzing data over time considering changes in
geographic features and environmental conditions) (Wang et al., 2023; Zhou et al., 2020; Zhu et
al., 2023). The authors emphasized that EO data management goes beyond typical IT concerns and
introduces cloud computing as a paradigm shift. Cloud computing offers various services,
including Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI), EO data resources, algorithms, processing capabilities,
and applications, enhancing the efficiency of EO data processing. They highlighted examples of
cloud-based systems and applications in the EO domain, including SpatialHadoop, pipsCloud,and
Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). However, they also acknowledge the
ongoing challenge of incorporating spatial thinking into cloud computing solutions.
A Discrete Global Grid System (DGGS) is a structured and standardized three-dimensional
framework of cells designed for the efficient handling of geospatial data at multiple levels of detail
(Rawson et al., 2022). It represents an enhancement over traditional latitude and longitude
Cartesian grids, which inherently suffer from limitations in accurately depicting the spherical
shape of the Earth. Yao, et al., (2020) defined DGGS as "spatial reference systems that use a
hierarchical tessellation of cells to partition and address the entire globe" and highlights the key
properties of DGGS, including cell structure, geo-encoding, quantization strategy, and
mathematical functions. An example of DGGS application is PYXIS WorldView platform, which
enables complex spatial queries and analysis as mentioned in the study. DGGS was discussed in
the article in the context of EO by emphasizing its role in providing standardized and structured
framework for handling geospatial data and how it contributes to various aspects of EO data
management and analysis.
 Lastly, the authors tackled opportunities and challenges in processing and handling BEOD
by replacing information technology with cloud computing, and improving DGGS. One of the
opportunities presented in the study is the global unified space-time framework with the utilization.
Storing EO data in a unified rule allows for a quicker retrieval and querying of any contents in the
dataset, which can be achieved with the application of DGGS, such as grid coding that can quickly
identify spatial positioning. Moreover, the hierarchical structure of DGGS aligns well with the
various scales of EO data, including medium, high, and low resolutions. This alignment allows for
a systematically structured and well-managed dataset, establishing a solid foundation for the
subsequent analysis of multiscale data fusion. Typically, methods used to divide spatial data into
grids within the Cartesian coordinate system is achieved through a process called projection, which
helps align the grid with how people perceive space. However, this approach can introduce
significant distortions, especially when dealing with large-scale or global datasets, particularly in
polar or high-latitude areas. In contrast, there is an alternative system known as the global discrete
grid system, which is represented as a spherical mathematical model. This system ensures that
each point on Earth is equivalent in terms of its representation within the grid. This makes it better
suited for analyzing and visualizing global datasets. The Discrete Global Grid System (DGGS)
serves as a spatiotemporal framework, enabling the fusion analysis of remote sensing data with
various resolutions and spectral bands and facilitating seamless integration with other geographic
information system (GIS) data. This integration improves the precision and utility of data analysis
and utilization. Cloud computing offers computing capabilities that have the potential to transform
the four characteristics of big data (Volume, Velocity, Variety, and Veracity) into a fifth dimension,
which is Value. The utilization of cloud computing technologies in Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) is hindered by the relevance and regionalization of spatial data. However, when
employing the Discrete Global Grid System (DGGS) framework, the Earth can be partitioned into
numerous continuous cells, each of which has identical geometry and area (Zhao et al., 2019).
Importantly, these cells are self-contained, enabling seamless integration of discretized spatial data
with distributed storage and parallel computing mechanisms during spatial operations and analyses.
This integration with cloud computing technologies represents the path toward unlocking the value
inherent in extensive Earth observation data.
In the realm of Discrete Global Grid Systems (DGGS) and cloud computing for Earth
Observation (EO) data, several key challenges are addressed by the authors. First, the efficient
retrieval and performance of DGGS grid coding in a cloud environment require a delicate balance.
Grid coding is essential for DGGS, but it must also be compatible with the distributed storage and
parallel computing mechanisms offered by cloud computing. Existing grid coding schemes, such
as hierarchical coding, filling curve coding, and integer coordinate coding, prioritize spatial
proximity, which can be at odds with distributed and parallel processing. Second, the development
of a spatiotemporal DGGS framework is crucial for handling EO data effectively. While current
research predominantly focuses on two-dimensional data, EO data inherently possess a time
dimension. Real-time or near-real-time analysis of Earth observation data is increasingly important
in applications. However, addressing the time dimension presents unique challenges, as time is
expressed in various formats, and time calculations are complex. Third, integrating data interfaces
with modeling through cloud computing and DGGS is a significant challenge. Many traditional
analysis models have been created for EO data, but parallelizing these models is not
straightforward. One potential solution is encapsulating each model as a service to enable parallel
access. However, deep integration with the cloud computing environment remains complex.
Furthermore, implementing these models within the DGGS framework is challenging due to
differences between the spherical coordinate system of DGGS and the flat coordinate systems
commonly used in traditional models. Simple operations like distance and area measurements
work differently, requiring the adaptation or enhancement of existing models.

Analysis
There are several aspects of the article "Enabling the Big Earth Observation Data via Cloud
Computing and DGGS: Opportunities and Challenges" by Yao et al. that are commendable. Firstly,
the article effectively underscores the growing importance of Earth Observation (EO) data,
recognizing it as big data due to its distinctive characteristics. It raises awareness of the immense
potential of EO data for applications such as climate change monitoring, environmental analysis,
and the creation of digital Earth models. Furthermore, the introduction of spatial cloud computing
(SCC) as a solution to overcome the limitations of conventional cloud computing for handling EO
data is a valuable concept. SCC's potential to facilitate real-time analysis and distributed
processing of geospatial information is promising.
However, there are areas in which the article could be improved. While it introduces SCC
and Discrete Global Grid Systems (DGGS) as solutions, it lacks concrete examples or case studies
illustrating their practical applications in the context of EO data. Real-world scenarios or projects
showcasing how SCC and DGGS have been employed to enhance EO data analysis and
management would make the article more informative. Additionally, while the challenges related
to adapting existing models to DGGS are mentioned, a more in-depth exploration of these
challenges and potential solutions would enhance the article's comprehensibility and practical
relevance.
In terms of the author's intentions and goals, the article appears to aim at emphasizing the
significance of EO data, proposing innovative solutions for managing and analyzing it, and
highlighting its potential value. In this respect, the article largely succeeds in its objectives. It
introduces novel concepts that have the potential to transform the EO data landscape. However, a
more substantial demonstration of how these concepts have been applied in real-world scenarios
would provide greater clarity and substantiate the article's claims. Overall, while the article is
insightful and forward-looking, it could benefit from more practical examples and a deeper
exploration of challenges and solutions to make it even more valuable to readers in the field of
Earth Observation.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the article "Enabling the Big Earth Observation Data via Cloud Computing
and DGGS: Opportunities and Challenges" by Yao et al. highlights the increasing importance of
Earth Observation (EO) data as a form of big data and its potential applications in fields such as
climate change monitoring and environmental analysis. The authors propose the use of spatial
cloud computing (SCC) and Discrete Global Grid Systems (DGGS) as innovative solutions to
address the unique challenges posed by EO data management and analysis. The article successfully
raises awareness about the potential of EO data and introduces novel concepts that could
revolutionize its utilization. It emphasizes the need for spatially aware computing systems and the
importance of a unified framework for global data processing. Moreover, it highlights the potential
synergy between cloud computing and DGGS, offering a path to transform EO data into a valuable
resource. However, the article could benefit from more concrete examples or case studies
demonstrating the practical application of SCC and DGGS in the context of EO data. Real-world
scenarios would help readers better understand how these concepts can be implemented and the
benefits they can provide. Additionally, while the challenges related to adapting existing models
to DGGS are acknowledged, a more in-depth exploration of these challenges and potential
solutions would enhance the article's practical relevance. Overall, the article effectively
emphasizes the significance of EO data and proposes innovative solutions to address its unique
characteristics. It provides valuable insights into the potential transformation of EO data through
cloud computing and DGGS, but further practical demonstrations and a deeper exploration of
challenges would enhance its comprehensibility and applicability in the field of Earth Observation.

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