Streamlining from EO innovation to operations
APEx provides easy access to ESA's Earth observation application outcomes for the EO community. With a range of services and tools APEx simplifies the transition of algorithms into operational services and encourage the incorporation of current cloud-based EO services and technologies.
Boosting the reusability of EO-based research outcomes
ESA's APEx initiative, launched in April 2024, aims to enlarge the use of Earth observation (EO) data and services by transitioning research-based EO tools into sustainable, scalable cloud-based services.
APEx provides a range of algorithm services and cloud-based tools to streamline the transition of EO algorithms and applications into FAIR-compliant cloud services. By bridging the gap between research and operations, APEx empowers projects, companies and scientists to reuse and build upon EO project results, optimize their performance and ensure long-term access.
APEx will be integrated within ESA Network of Resources, guaranteeing long-term accessibility and usability. This ESA initiative ultimately empowers projects and researchers to accelerate innovation, support collaboration, and expand impact in Earth Observation.
Algorithm Services
Get access to existing project outcomes and ensure that your own algorithms remain available — even after the project has ended.
Project Environments
Discover powerful cloud-based environments that you can tailor to the specific needs of your project and audience.
How APEx empowers EO users, projects and platforms
APEx is initiated to serve a wide audience within the Earth observation (EO) ecosytem, aiming to enhance the adoption and scalability of EO data and services. Whether you’re developing, deploying, or utilizing EO services, APEx provides tools, guidelines, and expertise to help various stakeholders maximize their impact and achieve sustainable, scalable solutions.
Users
EO service users looking for curated, on-demand Earth Observation services, developed by various projects, delivering value-added products that integrate seamlessly with modern cloud platforms. APEx offers access to these services and ensures they are validated and remain available even after the project has ended
Projects
EO projects looking for support to develop, scale, and sustain algorithms, workflows or applications, ensuring access to project results during the project and beyond project completion. APEx provides tailored services for developing, enhancing, onboarding, and upscaling algorithms with best-practice interoperability. Additionally, APEx offers services to instantiate essential IT components, enabling EO projects to focus on their core activities.
Providers
EO platform providers aiming to align with ESA standards, enhance platform compatibility, and attract more users. APEx enables platform providers to host EO services developed by ESA projects, ensuring alignment with ESA’s standards and guidelines. By achieving APEx compliance, platforms can gain recognition and increase the integration of multiple EO projects.
Why choose APEx?
APEx offers you several benefits to maximise the impact of your Earth observation applications and achieve your project goals.
Increased focus
Reduce time and budget expenses by focusing on the core objectives of your project without the need to worry about software components.
Additional reach
Extend the reach of your algorithms to a broader EO community, increasing their impact and utilisation even after the project is finished.
Interoperability
Ensure long-term availability and smooth integration with other existing platforms through industry-leading interoperability standards.
Network of Resources
Seamlessly incorporate your project outcomes into ESA’s Network of Resources, encouraging further reuse of your results and fostering collaboration.
Unite, use and share resources
Reuse standardised, reliable Earth observation resources and save both time and costs by using our data and algorithm catalogues.
APEx timeline
The APEx project is launched in April 2024 with the ambition to enhance Earth observation capabilities and support European Space Agency (ESA) projects.
April 2024
The APEx project is officially kicked off under a 2-year contract, initiating the development and deployment of its key services.
January 2025
APEx presents its services and tools to support the transition of EO algorithms and applications into FAIR-compliant cloud-based services.
April 2026
APEx will conclude its 2-year contract in April 2026, with all APEx services fully integrated into the ESA Network of Resources
