Rename bands to ensure 0 overlap

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 44 views

Introduction

OpenEO is a cloud-based platform for processing and analyzing Earth observation data. One of the key features of OpenEO is its ability to perform complex mathematical operations on satellite data, known as "cube math" operations. These operations involve combining multiple satellite data cubes to produce new data cubes that contain the results of the operations. In this article, we will discuss the challenges of handling "cube math" operations in OpenEO and explore alternative approaches to improve the accuracy and reliability of these operations.

Current Implementation of "Cube Math" Operations

The current implementation of "cube math" operations in OpenEO allows users to perform simple arithmetic operations on satellite data cubes using the / operator. For example, the following code snippet demonstrates how to divide two satellite data cubes:

cube3 = cube1 / cube2

This operation is translated to a merge_cubes operation with an overlap resolver set to "divide" in this case. However, as discussed in Issue #280, this approach can lead to unexpected results in situations where there is no 100% overlap between the two data cubes.

The Problem with "Cube Math" Operations

The main issue with the current implementation of "cube math" operations is that it relies on the overlap resolver to perform the operation. However, this approach can lead to incorrect results in situations where there is no overlap between the two data cubes. This is because the overlap resolver is not designed to handle complex mathematical operations, and it can produce unexpected results.

Alternative Approach: Using `merge_cubes` without Overlap Resolver

To improve the accuracy and reliability of "cube math" operations, we propose an alternative approach that uses merge_cubes without an overlap resolver. This approach involves the following steps:

Rename bands to ensure 0 overlap: Before merging the two data cubes, we need to rename the bands to ensure that there is no overlap between them. This can be done by renaming the bands to unique names that do not conflict with each other.
Merge cubes without overlap resolver: We then merge the two data cubes without an overlap resolver. This will stack the bands of both cubes in a single cube.
Apply dimension to combine bands: Once the bands are stacked, we can use the apply_dimension or reduce_dimension function to combine the bands as desired to produce a new cube.
Rename bands again to what the user expects: Finally, we need to rename the bands again to what the user expects.

Benefits of the Alternative Approach

The alternative approach proposed above has several benefits over the current implementation of "cube math" operations. Firstly, it ensures that the operation is performed correctly even in situations where there is no overlap between the two data cubes. Secondly, it provides more control over the operation, allowing users to specify the exact behavior of the operation. Finally, it is more flexible and can be used to perform a wide range of mathematical operations on satellite data cubes.

Challenges and Limitations

While the alternative approach proposed above has several benefits, it also has some challenges and limitations. One of the main challenges is that it requires more steps and more complex code to implement. Additionally, it requires that the band name handling is correct and in line with how it works backend-side. This can be a bit challenging with load_stac use cases where band detection can be a bit fuzzy.

Related Issues

There are several related issues that are relevant to the discussion of "cube math" operations in OpenEO. Some of these issues include:

Issue #123: This issue discusses the problem of performing arithmetic operations on satellite data cubes without using the / operator.
Issue #537: This issue discusses the problem of performing complex mathematical operations on satellite data cubes using the apply_dimension function.
Issue #239: This issue discusses the problem of performing arithmetic operations on satellite data cubes without using the / operator.
Issue #117: This issue discusses the problem of performing complex mathematical operations on satellite data cubes using the reduce_dimension function.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current implementation of "cube math" operations in OpenEO has several limitations and challenges. To improve the accuracy and reliability of these operations, we propose an alternative approach that uses merge_cubes without an overlap resolver. This approach involves renaming bands to ensure 0 overlap, merging cubes without an overlap resolver, applying dimension to combine bands, and renaming bands again to what the user expects. While this approach has several benefits, it also has some challenges and limitations. We hope that this article has provided a useful discussion of the challenges and limitations of "cube math" operations in OpenEO and has proposed a viable alternative approach to improve the accuracy and reliability of these operations.

Q: What is "cube math" in OpenEO?

A: "Cube math" in OpenEO refers to the ability to perform mathematical operations on satellite data cubes. This includes simple arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as more complex operations such as applying dimension and reducing dimension.

Q: What is the current implementation of "cube math" operations in OpenEO?

A: The current implementation of "cube math" operations in OpenEO allows users to perform simple arithmetic operations on satellite data cubes using the / operator. For example, the following code snippet demonstrates how to divide two satellite data cubes:

cube3 = cube1 / cube2

This operation is translated to a merge_cubes operation with an overlap resolver set to "divide" in this case.

Q: What are the limitations of the current implementation of "cube math" operations in OpenEO?

A: The current implementation of "cube math" operations in OpenEO has several limitations. One of the main limitations is that it relies on the overlap resolver to perform the operation, which can lead to incorrect results in situations where there is no overlap between the two data cubes.

Q: What is the alternative approach to "cube math" operations in OpenEO?

A: The alternative approach to "cube math" operations in OpenEO involves using merge_cubes without an overlap resolver. This approach involves renaming bands to ensure 0 overlap, merging cubes without an overlap resolver, applying dimension to combine bands, and renaming bands again to what the user expects.

Q: What are the benefits of the alternative approach to "cube math" operations in OpenEO?

A: The alternative approach to "cube math" operations in OpenEO has several benefits. Firstly, it ensures that the operation is performed correctly even in situations where there is no overlap between the two data cubes. Secondly, it provides more control over the operation, allowing users to specify the exact behavior of the operation. Finally, it is more flexible and can be used to perform a wide range of mathematical operations on satellite data cubes.

Q: What are the challenges and limitations of the alternative approach to "cube math" operations in OpenEO?

A: The alternative approach to "cube math" operations in OpenEO has several challenges and limitations. One of the main challenges is that it requires more steps and more complex code to implement. Additionally, it requires that the band name handling is correct and in line with how it works backend-side. This can be a bit challenging with load_stac use cases where band detection can be a bit fuzzy.

Q: How can I implement the alternative approach to "cube math" operations in OpenEO?

A: To implement the alternative approach to "cube math" operations in OpenEO, you will need to follow these steps:

Rename bands to ensure 0 overlap.
Merge cubes without an overlap resolver.
Apply dimension to combine bands.
Rename bands again to what the user expects.

Q: What are some related issues that are relevant to the discussion of "cube math" operations in OpenEO?

A: Some related issues that are relevant to the discussion of "cube math" operations in OpenEO include:

Issue #123: This issue discusses the problem of performing arithmetic operations on satellite data cubes without using the / operator.
Issue #537: This issue discusses the problem of performing complex mathematical operations on satellite data cubes using the apply_dimension function.
Issue #239: This issue discusses the problem of performing arithmetic operations on satellite data cubes without using the / operator.
Issue #117: This issue discusses the problem of performing complex mathematical operations on satellite data cubes using the reduce_dimension function.

Q: Where can I find more information about "cube math" operations in OpenEO?

A: You can find more information about "cube math" operations in OpenEO by visiting the OpenEO documentation website or by searching for OpenEO-related issues on GitHub.