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Mapping Earth Systems for Local Sustainability Using Google Earth Engine, GLOBE Soil, and SMAP Data.
Organization(s):Samsenwittayalai School
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Anawach Anantachoke, Dilokpat Chaiwira, Sirawit Saengchote, Kantinan Lumsun, Pongwarin Twesre, Tianrawit Komalittipong, Jirapat Baithongsiri, Vasupint Krikieatisakul, Manatsakan Ariyapithak, Pornnutcha Khongton, Poonnama Surachutikarn
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Educator(s):Kornkamon Kumnerdkarn
Contributors:Assoc.Prof.Dr.Krisanadej Jaorensutasinee, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Mullica Jaroensutasinee, Center of Excellence for Ecoinformatics, School of Science, Walailak University. Dr. Wacharapong Srisang, Faculty of Science and Agricultural Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Lampang, Thailand.
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Soil Moisture - SMAP Block Pattern
Presentation Video:
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:02/28/2025
This study explores the integration of satellite data, field measurements, and IoT sensors to create detailed soil moisture maps for agricultural and environmental applications. Using SMAP satellite data from NASA, field data collected by students through the GLOBE program, and IoT sensor data, the study demonstrates how these resources can be combined to produce reliable, accessible maps. The study focuses on Trang Province, Thailand, where field measurements were taken at two sites: a rubber plantation and a coastal sand beach. The research investigates two key questions: (1) How can SMAP, GLOBE, and IoT data be combined to create useful soil moisture maps for local farmers and communities? (2) How well do these maps match field-collected moisture data? Results show that satellite data from SMAP, when compared with field measurements, provide accurate estimates of soil moisture, with values of 35.0 ± 2.65% in the rubber plantation and 5.0 ± 0% on the beach. The study successfully developed an interactive soil moisture map with 35 layers accessible through Google Earth Engine (GEE), offering temporal and spatial data on soil moisture dynamics from 2016 to 2021. This tool empowers local stakeholders by providing actionable data for sustainable agriculture planning, water resource management, and climate change adaptation, while also contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The findings emphasize the value of combining remote sensing, citizen science, and technology for solving local sustainability challenges.