This book introduces and formalizes the topic of using increasingly capable autonomous robotic explorers on our home planet. We have long used robotic spacecraft to explore space, our moon, the other planets of our solar system, and their moons. At least one of our spacecraft, Voyager, has left the solar system, and is still returning data on interstellar space. Unmanned explorers precede human ventures into space, and have been to many more distant locations than we have.

Our own planet has been extensively but not exhaustively explored by humans, from the depths of the sea to the highest layers of the atmosphere, and to the “four corners” of the Earth. Now, with the emergence and maturation of advanced robotic technology and “big data” techniques, we can do more. It is increasingly valuable to collect, store, and manage massive databases of information on our own planet. These data can be used to develop and refine models of our environment and ecosystem, which may be critical to our survival.