Three GIP Research Hubs are working together to set up a geoinformation research agenda which has been largely based on the three-space paradigm that has been proposed by Ernst Cassirer (1874-1945), a philosopher of the Marburg school. He describes the human learning process as a cyclic activity of the mind based on its spatio-temporal experience in terms of the :

- perceptual space : our observed space through sensors and senses ;

- symbolic space : our abstract representation (model) of space ;

- cognitive space : our abstract internal space of reasoning.

Based on this paradigm, the GIP Research Hubs are dealing with the GI research issues related to the perceptual, symbolic, and cognitive spaces, and how each space is, in turn, associated to the following domains:

- Monitoring : supporting the GEOSS initiative on the development of satellite-based (together with ground and airborne) monitoring systems relating to the management of the environment and security and their integration with ground-based, ship-borne and airborne components; as well as the support to the production and delivery of GMES data and services.

- Modelling : contribution to modelling links between economy/environment/society including market based instruments, externalities, thresholds and developing the knowledge base and methodologies for sustainability impact assessment on key issues such as land use; social and economic tensions related to climate change.

- Decision-making : encourage the knowledge transfer among environmental decision makers and researchers to develop and communicate processes and information that help solve or avoid problems associated with environmental decisions.