We are pleased to present the publication “UN Handbook on Remote Sensing for Agricultural Statistics”, a comprehensive international reference that provides the latest knowledge, methodologies, and best practices in the application of remote sensing for agricultural statistics.
Developed through the collaboration of the United Nations, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and leading experts in statistics, geospatial technologies, and Earth observation, the Handbook serves as a valuable resource for institutions seeking to integrate geospatial data into agricultural statistical systems.
The publication offers practical guidance on the use of satellite imagery, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), artificial intelligence, and time-series analysis for the collection, processing, and analysis of agricultural information. Particular attention is given to crop mapping, crop classification, yield estimation, phenological monitoring, and decision support for food security and sustainable natural resource management.
Drawing on case studies and experiences from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the Handbook demonstrates how modern Earth observation technologies can improve the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of official agricultural statistics. It is intended for national statistical offices, researchers, universities, and institutions working in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and geospatial data management.
One of the Handbook’s key strengths is its practical orientation. In addition to theoretical foundations, it includes real-world examples, workflows, and computational approaches that enable users to apply the presented methods directly in their own projects and research activities.
The publication highlights the growing importance of geospatial technologies and remote sensing in the modernization of agricultural statistics and represents a significant contribution to evidence-based agricultural policy and sustainable development worldwide.
More information and access to the publication are available at:
UN Handbook on Remote Sensing for Agricultural Statistics