Since 2008, there have been three (3) international workshops on Earth Observation and Remote Sensing Applications (EORSA). Together, over six hundreds participants, from more than 20 countries, gathered in Beijing, Shanghai, and Changsha, to address the latest researches, and products related to EO and remote sensing technologies and the challenges to future discovery, and to discuss about cooperation and collaboration opportunities. Nearly 300 papers have been published in the IEEE Xplore Digital Library, in addition to approximately three dozens of articles in IEEE peer-refereed journals. Many of us, especially young researchers and students enjoyed special symposia on GEO Global Urban Observation and Information, Remote Sensing of Forestry Resources, and the “Meeting with Editors” sessions. I, once again, thank all speakers, authors, committee members, reviewers, and student volunteers for their continued supports.

In order to better utilize the mechanism of EORSA to improve the coordination of Earth observations, monitoring, forecasting, and assessment initiatives worldwide, to develop innovative methods and techniques in support of global change and sustainability studies and to exploit and promote the synergies in resources in R&D, applications, and benefits, the conference participants of EORSA 2014 published the Changsha Declaration, and initiated, collectively, an International Program on Global Urban Observation and Public Health (IPUP) in order to foster research, education and training, and capacity building activities; to promote the sharing of data, information and resources; and to adopt appropriate measures to encourage constructive dialogue and cooperation between the scientists and the stakeholders.

Just before I left Changsha, I was invited to visit South China Normal University in Guangzhou. Some of you know it is my Alma mater. Guangzhou was the place where I always missed and wished to go back often. The city grows substantially since I studied there some 30 years ago, so do the needs and applications in geospatial technologies. I was convinced that the opportunity has arisen; there will be a lot of potentials and excitements for an EORSA event.

We plan to continue with the conference traditions and expand with new dimensions and features. Guangdong Province in the southern China exemplified well industrialization and urbanization over the past three decades. Significant changes occurred in coastal and forest ecosystems, river estuaries, and agricultural system, so did the once highly praised dike-pond system. How Earth observation and remote sensing technologies can contribute to the management of river basins, deltaic environment, coastal and urban regions, and to improve the knowledge of the productivity and sustainability of natural and human ecosystems is an important theme today. So, please join us at EORSA 2016 to present your latest research, to learn from internationally renowned researchers, to network with scientists in academia, business and government worldwide, and to meet with tomorrow’s leaders in Earth Observation and remote sensing.