Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

China Dominates Global Remote Sensing Research by 2023

11/18/2025

38 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In 2015, NYU professor Debra Laefer observed a shift in remote sensing research, with more papers originating from Chinese institutions.
By 2023, China produced nearly half of all global remote sensing publications, while the United States accounted for under 10%.
Laefer's findings, published in the journal Geomatics, highlight the importance of remote sensing for autonomous driving, climate monitoring, and national security.

1 of 1

Story summary

In 2015, NYU professor Debra Laefer observed a shift in remote sensing research, with more papers originating from Chinese institutions.
By 2023, China produced nearly half of all global remote sensing publications, while the United States accounted for under 10%.
Laefer's findings, published in the journal Geomatics, highlight the importance of remote sensing for autonomous driving, climate monitoring, and national security.