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In this final chapter, we summarize the DataBio learnings about how to exploit big data and AI in bioeconomy. The development platform for the software used in the 27 pilots was a central tool. The Enterprise Architecture model Archimate laid a solid basis for the complex software in the pilots. Handling data from sensors and earth observation were shown in numerous pilots. Genomic data from crop species allows us to significantly speed up plant breeding by predicting plant properties in-silico. Data integration is crucial and we show how linked data enables searches over multiple datasets. Real-time processing of events provides insights for fast decision-making, for example about ship engine conditions. We show how sensitive bioeconomy data can be analysed in a privacy-preserving way. The agriculture pilots show with clear numbers the impact of big data and AI on precision agriculture, insurance and subsidies control. In forestry, DataBio developed several big data tools for forest monitoring. In fishery, we demonstrate how to reduce maintenance cost and time as well as fuel consumption in the operation of fishing vessels as well as how to accurately predict fish catches. The chapter ends with perspectives on earth observation, machine learning, data sharing and crowdsourcing.

In this chapter, we introduce the topic of big data visualization with a focus on the challenges related to geospatial data. We present several efficient techniques to address these challenges. We then provide examples from the DataBio project of visualisation solutions. These examples show that there are many technologies and software components available for big data visualisation, but they also point to limitations and the need for further research and development.

In this introductory chapter, we present the technological background needed for understanding the work in DataBio. We start with basic concepts of Big Data including the main characteristics volume, velocity and variety. Thereafter, we discuss data pipelines and the Big Data Value (BDV) Reference Model that is referred to repeatedly in the book. The layered reference model ranges from data acquisition from sensors up to visualization and user interaction. We then discuss the differences between open and closed data. These differences are important for farmers, foresters and fishermen to understand, when they are considering sharing their professional data. Data sharing is significantly easier, if the data management conforms to the FAIR principles. We end the chapter by describing our DataBio platform that is a software development platform. It is an environment in which a piece of software is developed and improved in an iterative process providing a toolset for services in agriculture, forestry and fishery. The DataBio assets are gathered on the DataBio Hub that links to content both on the DataBio website and to Docker software repositories on clouds.

In this chapter, we summarize the findings from the forestry pilots conducted during the DataBio project. Although the pilots demonstrated the functionality of big data in forestry through several practical applications and services, they also highlighted areas where further development is needed. More effort is needed particularly in ensuring smooth connections between the technical components of the processing pipelines, as well as designing the best business solutions within the big data service chain and between the service providers and users. Overall, the challenge for the coming years is to establish operational big data processing pipelines that meet the requirements and expectations of forestry stakeholders.

Forest monitoring is undergoing rapid changes due to the growing data volumes, developing data processing technologies and increasing monitoring requirements. The DataBio forestry pilots set out to demonstrate how big data approaches can support the forestry sector to get full benefit of the evolving technologies and to meet the increasing monitoring requirements. In this introductory chapter, we describe underlying technical and market forces driving the forestry sector toward big data approaches, and give short overviews on the forestry pilots to be presented in the following chapters.

This edited open access book presents the comprehensive outcome of The European DataBio Project, which examined new data-driven methods to shape a bioeconomy. These methods are used to develop new and sustainable ways to use forest, farm and fishery resources. As a European initiative, the goal is to use these new findings to support decision-makers and producers – meaning farmers, land and forest owners and fishermen.With their 27 pilot projects from 17 countries, the authors examine important sectors and highlight examples where modern data-driven methods were used to increase sustainability. How can farmers, foresters or fishermen use these insights in their daily lives? The authors answer this and other questions for our readers. The first four parts of this book give an overview of the big data technologies relevant for optimal raw material gathering. The next three parts put these technologies into perspective, by showing useable applications from farming, forestry and fishery. The final part of this book gives a summary and a view on the future.With its broad outlook and variety of topics, this book is an enrichment for students and scientists in bioeconomy, biodiversity and renewable resources.

In this pilot, we demonstrate the usability of online platforms to provide forest inventory systems for exploiting the benefits of big data. The pilot highlights the technical transferability of online platform based forest inventory services. All of the services tested in the piloting sites were technically implemented successfully. However, in new geographical areas, strong user involvement in service definition and field data provision will be needed to provide reliable and meaningful results for the users. Overall, the pilot demonstrated well the benefits of technology use in forest monitoring through a range of forest inventory applications utilizing online big data processing approaches and inter-platform connections.