The image processing (value) chain is a sequence of processing steps for EO data that are performed by a set of stakeholders to ultimately provide EO information to a user. The sequence of processing steps that begins with the acquisition of EO data, followed by steps of pre-processing and information extraction (or whatever steps are necessary) and ends with an EO information product being available to a user that uses it to make his decision. The stakeholders along the processing chain each perform a dedicated subsequence of processing steps. Thereby, the stakeholders add value to the data they deliver to the next stakeholder in the chain. A categorization of stakeholders includes EO satellite operators, EO data providers, EO information providers, and the users at the end of the value chain.
The image processing value chain is closely related to processing levels that provide different states of processing of EO data. They start with raw instrument data (level 0 and 1) that are followed by data converted into geophysical quantities that are geo-referenced and calibrated (level 2). Further levels are quality controlled data that has been mapped on a uniform space-time grid (level 3) and data combined with models or other instrument data (level 4). In addition, EO data providers use the term analysis ready data (ARD) that have been processed to allow direct data analysis, i.e. user processing effort is reduced to a minimum.
Further, the standard EO products contain a categorizing element that is related to the image processing value chain. This categorizing element organizes the EO products along the sequences of processing, descriptive analytics, predictive analytics, prescriptive analytics, aggregation, visualization, and distribution.