A mathematical monitoring concept in an Earth observation framework

In a multidisciplinary field like Earth observation, not only assessment but also the monitoring of processes is important. Assessment is defined as the arrangement of objects in classes through characteristic attributes at a certain moment in time, whereas monitoring is defined as the detection of changes of objects explicitly using existing knowledge and constraints. This distinguishes monitoring from assessment. A mathematical description of assessment and monitoring forms the basis for a generic monitoring concept, The concept shows clearly the interaction and differences between assessment and monitoring. Within the Earth observation framework it is evident that the monitoring concept can be justified against repeated assessment. Two practical examples will be presented, showing the implications of the monitoring concept for the monitoring of deforestation and the monitoring of military infrastructures and activities