As a comprehensive research department, the Laboratory of Digital Earth Sciences focuses on the theoretical research of geospatial information science, technological studies of remote sensing, development of a scientific platform for Digital Earth and its nation- and world-wide applications in hot-spot regions and fields.

Its research domains mainly include: fundamental issues concerning earth observation and Digital Earth, satellite-air-ground remote-sensing experiments, scientific platforms for Digital Earth, cutting-edge technology for earth observation, information processing and comprehensive applications, and high-caliber talent training.

It is made up of the following five divisions.
1.Division of Digital Earth System

2.Division of Digital Land

3. Division of Digital Ocean and Atmosphere

4. Division of Optical Earth Observation

5. Division of Microwave Earth Observation