During recent years there has been an increasing number of observations showing that various space factors have an influence on the biogeosphere. Several effects have been reported, including potential fluctuations in pipelines and power lines, correlations with weather phenomena, correlation between the solar cycle and mortality, and between magnetic disturbances and heart problems. For several of these effects the mechanisms behind the correlations are poorly understood. Measurements of different input parameters, such as the properties of the solar wind and cosmic ray intensity, are needed to study these mechanisms. It is less obvious when it is useful to have a space weather prediction service. In some cases it is better to rely on space weather proof design of technical systems. The paper will discuss requirements on space weather measurements for monitoring and prediction for different applications and when predictions may be worth the effort.