Mexico

Mexico has been an active member at GEO collaborating in the various initiatives and working groups throughout this time. Our participation in this global initiative has allowed us exchange of data, the development of projects to take advantage of earth observations, as well as contributed to the formation of technical and infrastructure capacities, whose consolidation will allow us to generate more timely information for decision making.

National participating agencies and organizations include the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO), the Mexican Space Agency (AEM), the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry (SEMARNAT), the National Autonomous University (UNAM), the National Earth Observation Laboratory (LANOT), the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) as GEO-Principal and national coordinator.

INEGI is constantly developing new methodologies to generate quality geographic information and satisfy user needs. Thus, remote sensing images have been a fundamental source of information for the generation of this information.

The Institute continues with its program to review and modernize its activities, which has made it possible to introduce new geospatial approaches and technologies, such as the integration of the Mexican Geospatial Data Cube into INEGI's experimental geospatial processing and analysis tools, as well as the integration of the citizen's perspective into the production of cartography at INEGI, which has begun to modify the ways in which its information programs have traditionally been carried out.

The growing interest in statistical analysis of satellite data to produce environmental and socioeconomic measurements is leading to increased interaction between remote sensing and statistical domains, such as machine learning. As a result, computational learning algorithms are being developed to answer questions related to environmental and socioeconomic issues.

Just to give an example, the design of a methodological proposal is being explored to contribute to development of SDG 11.7.1 “Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all, by sex, age and persons with disabilities” with the identification of green areas within urban localities, which, in this experimental phase, uses Sentinel-2 satellite images as one of its sources of information to perform the calculation. From this, green areas are analyzed with derived products such as geomedia, NDVI, NDBI, NDWI and BUI and computational learning to find the area in hectares for vegetation, urban/ artificial and water classes.

On the other hand, the use of earth observations in the process of the INEGI's Agricultural Census 2022, whose objective is to gather updated information on the country's agricultural, livestock and forestry production, stands out. It was carried out during August- December ‘22, with the participation of more than 100,000 people.

More than 82 000 images of the Secure watch service (SID and TIFF format of 1 or 3 bands) of the period 2018-2022 with national coverage were used. From these images, a WMS service was developed under OGC standard for the follow-up and monitoring of the survey process.

The use of satellite images was a key tool in this project; they were used to identify and map the country's agricultural, livestock and forestry lands, allowing for a more efficient selection of sampling units and more accurate information about agricultural production.

On the other hand, we are working at a regional Project, the “Digital Earth Americas”, that is an initiative that aims to bring together users from the Americas region to create an open and operational experience in countries for the analysis, use, and management of data to develop evidence-based public policies for decision-making.As part of the Digital Earth Americas initiative, the project titled "Strengthening Geospatial Capacities in the Caribbean" is being carried out. This project aims to strengthen cooperation for the development of spatial sciences and the application of geospatial technologies in this region.

The project consists of three phases. In the first phase, the purchase of computer equipment necessary to strengthen the technological infrastructure for the analysis of geospatial information was carried out, in particular the focus is on the use of satellite images. The second phase is a training program for the development of technical skills, including the processing and analysis of Earth observation data for different applications. The program is divided into 3 modules and the third includes 8 virtual seminars that began in April 2023 and will end in November 2023. And the third phase will be the dissemination of information for decision making.

On the other hand, Mexico is an active member of AmeriGEO. In the organization of the annual events, we promote innovative sessions and side events related to the integration of statistical and geospatial data, as well as the use of spatial data infrastructure. During the last AmeriGEO week 2023, held at Costa Rica, INEGI organized a side event related with the use of artificial intelligence-based methods to map and characterize slums from Earth observation with the objective of share the context of the IDEAMPAS and IDE Atlas initiatives, as well as the AI-based methods developed by Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. Among the most important topics addressed were i) integration of statistical and geospatial data, ii) spatial data infrastructure, iii) Sustainable Development Goals.

Inter-institutional coordination mechanisms will allow us to develop regional projects to advance together in the use of Earth observations towards sustainable development in the region.

During 2021-2023 INEGI has been a member of the GEO Programme Board, whose main objective is to be interlocutors to contribute to GEO's Work Programs, contribute ideas and knowledge to help identify GEO's strategic objectives. In the last year, we have participated in the scheduled meetings (virtual and in-person), attended the GEO 2023 Symposium as well as the Open Data and Open Knowledge Workshop.

Thus, we have contributed to projects that are reviewed and analyzed to determine the course of activities. For example, the Post-2025 incubator process, the criteria for the GEO Awards 2023 and the activities of the GEO Working Groups, which we have just endorsed to continue in the next period. We reviewed the Foundational Tasks for 2023-2025, resulting in some changes to consolidate the tasks and align them with the Post-2025 Strategy, on which this group has worked hard.

In other activities, in last July, the Workshop organized by INEGI and ECLAC for the implementation of the Integrated Framework for Geospatial Information in Mexico was held in Mexico City. This framework was developed between the United Nations and the World Bank, with the purpose of providing guidance to countries in the development and strengthening of their national agreements on geospatial information management and related infrastructure. Therefore, its implementation is being promoted in the country, and to facilitate the exchange of geospatial information, as support for decision making and the design of public policies that promote sustainable development at the national level and contribute to the consolidation of Mexico's Geospatial Data Infrastructure.

In September 2023 INEGI organized the technical training seminar and workshop on the use of earth observation for monitoring surface water dynamics in coordination with the European Space Agency, whose objectives were to showcase the technological advances and available data sources related to satellite-based surface water monitoring, to increase the competence of decision-makers in understanding the perspectives and broader context of different satellite systems to support their responsibilities in surface water monitoring as well as to provide practical experience to participants in the use of satellite data for monitoring inland water bodies, both in extent and volume. Forty representatives of the Secretariat and public and social organizations in charge of water policy formulation and water resources reporting participated.

Mexico's participation in GEO shows the country's commitment to international cooperation and recognition of the importance of Earth observation to address global challenges such as disaster risk reduction, climate change, reduce poverty, quality health and education services, we need to make informed decisions. The earth observations can contribute to advance sustainable development through informed decision making. At INEGI, we contribute to capacity building in the Americas region with a comprehensive approach that entails principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Working together, we will succeed in implementing the post-2025 GEO vision in the Americas to address the challenges of our diverse region, so that the use of earth observations becomes a reality.