Methodology

The SeBS360 methodology builds on the Sentinel Benefits Study (SeBS) framework and provides the methodological foundation for analysing and demonstrating the value generated by the use of Copernicus Sentinel data.

Concrete, operational instances in which Sentinel-derived information is integrated into organisational workflows or decision-making processes. Each use case documents how Sentinel data are transformed into information products and used in practice, rather than addressing hypothetical applications.

A core element of the methodology is the application of a value-chain framework, which structures the analysis around the actors involved in the production, use, and downstream exploitation of Sentinel-derived information. This includes the service provider, the primary user, and any downstream users or beneficiaries, providing a basis for attributing effects and outcomes to the use of Sentinel data.

Benefits are identified and assessed using a multi-dimensional value framework, which allows for the systematic consideration of different types of effects arising from the use of Sentinel-derived information.

The methodology distinguishes between direct, indirect, and induced benefits and supports the use of both qualitative and quantitative evidence, recognising that not all benefits can be monetised. It emphasises baseline definition and counterfactual comparison to assess the added value of Sentinel data relative to alternative approaches or previous practices, and it promotes transparency in the treatment of assumptions and uncertainty. Consistent application across use cases enables comparison and aggregation of results across application domains.

The methodology is documented, maintained and further developed as part of the SeBS360 activity and will be updated to reflect methodological refinements arising from its application during the project.

The benefits

Economic

Economic benefits relate to impacts on the production of goods and services and on monetary flows, including revenue generation, cost reductions, productivity gains, capital efficiency, and employment effects associated with operational use of Sentinel-derived information.

Direct impacts are typically reflected through measurable efficiency gains, while broader downstream effects may be estimated using proxy indicators or scenario-based approaches. Where relevant, Willingness-to-Pay methods are applied to capture value associated with public goods and non-market outcomes. Economic value is often cumulative, emerging progressively as operational adoption matures and practices diffuse across organisations or markets.

Environmental

Environmental benefits describe changes in environmental outcomes or management practices enabled through Sentinel-derived information, particularly in relation to ecosystem services that underpin societal and economic systems.

Evaluation is conducted relative to a defined baseline, emphasising how EO-enabled monitoring improves decision-making rather than describing static environmental conditions. Evidence may include expert judgement, scenario-based estimates, and qualitative assessments where long-term monitoring datasets are limited. Analysis distinguishes the specific contribution of Sentinel-based services from broader sectoral or contextual environmental trends to ensure transparent attribution across use cases.

Innovation

Innovation benefits reflect the role of Sentinel-derived information in enabling market-oriented change, including the emergence of new commercial services, organisational workflows, or data-driven business models.

Assessment considers whether EO capabilities introduce genuinely new operational or commercial possibilities, expand existing offerings, or replace legacy data sources with more efficient alternatives. Evidence may include service diversification, entry into new markets, export activities, or shifts in organisational processes that alter how value is created or delivered.

Regulatory

Regulatory benefits capture how Sentinel-derived information supports evidence-based policy design, regulatory implementation, and compliance monitoring across public and private sectors. EO capabilities may contribute to improved rulemaking, more efficient oversight, enhanced monitoring of environmental or operational requirements, and increased transparency in governance processes.

Evidence may include strengthened reporting practices, improved enforcement mechanisms, or reduced administrative burden. Regulatory value primarily reflects institutional change, while also influencing organisational behaviour through evolving legal and policy frameworks.

Science and technology

Science and technology benefits refer to contributions to scientific knowledge, methodological development, and technical advancement enabled by Sentinel-derived information. Operational EO services can support research collaboration, development of analytical approaches, technological experimentation, and future R&D activities.

Indicators may include academic outputs, technical partnerships, development of new processing methods, or allocation of resources toward knowledge generation. Unlike innovation benefits, which focus on organisational or market transformation, science and technology benefits emphasise the advancement of knowledge systems and analytical capabilities.

Societal

Societal benefits describe value realised beyond individual organisations, reflecting impacts on communities, public welfare, and societal resilience. The methodology evaluates how Sentinel-derived information supports outcomes such as improved public health and safety, enhanced quality of life, and more transparent decision-making processes.

Assessment relies on qualitative evidence, proxy indicators, and context-specific analysis where direct measurement or monetisation is not feasible. Societal value focuses on outcomes experienced by citizens and communities and considers alignment with broader sustainability agendas, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and organisational ESG priorities.