Towards best practice in earth observation research in developing countries

This paper provides evidence for the lack of collaborative remote sensing research between the developed and developing world. Analysis of publications in peer-reviewed journals using Web of Knowledge (WoK), the major UK academic citation database data is presented showing that countries designated low income or lower middle income countries tend to have significantly fewer publications (as might be expected) but also those papers that are describing work conducted in one of these countries have far fewer local authors on papers (compared to high and upper middle income countries). We identify ways in which EO researchers can support the sustainable development of indigenous capacity, through improved collaboration, increased access to publications, and better networking.