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In this blog I will express my personal opinions, ideas and thoughts on topics related to Earth observation, remote sensing and space science in general. I will talk about current news and developments, and there may be more that is not yet known, even to me.

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Writer's pictureMarco Peters

Surprising Satellite Remote Sensing Applications

Updated: Nov 14

Hello EO-Masters!

In this blog post, I would like to introduce some surprising applications of satellite remote sensing.

All earth observation enthusiasts and old hands may have heard of the following 6 applications of satellite remote sensing data. But newcomers to the field or people who just happen to be reading this article may be surprised at what can be accomplished with Earth observation data. Even if you're a long-time expert, you might see one or two new applications you haven't heard of.


Table of Contents



Whale Watching

The application of remote sensing technology in detecting and tracking whales is a fascinating development in the field of marine biology. This technology has opened up new possibilities for studying these magnificent creatures, particularly in terms of their migration patterns, population size, and behaviour. The process involves capturing high-resolution images from satellites, which are then analysed using advanced image processing techniques. In this case, high-resolution means, for example, images from the WorldView-2 satellite with a GSD of 0.46 m.


This means that the distance from on pixel to the other is 0.46m on Earth. These images can reveal the presence of whales, even in vast and remote ocean areas. With Remote Sensing data it is possible to identify different species based on their size, shape, and other distinctive features and even individual animals can be distinguished. This technology has significantly improved our ability to monitor whale populations, their migration patterns, and changes in their behaviour. It has also been instrumental in conservation efforts, as it allows for the timely detection of threats to these creatures, such as illegal whaling activities or changes in their habitats.


Several projects have successfully employed this technology. For instance, the SpaceWhale project by BioConsult SH and the research conducted by Whale Seeker have made significant strides in this area. These initiatives have not only contributed to our understanding of whales but have also proven the potential of remote sensing technology in wildlife conservation.


Further reading:



Detecting Remote Penguin Colonies

Scientists have leveraged the power of satellite imagery to reveal nearly twice the number of Emperor penguins in Antarctica than previously thought. The images are so detailed that they allow scientists to monitor the presence of thousands of penguins. Not by counting each penguin individually, they are too small to show up in satellite images, but by looking at their poo (guano). Penguins leaf big brownish stains on the ice which are easy to identify. These patches allow scientists to estimate the population of the colonies.


The use of remote sensing in detecting remote penguin colonies exemplifies the innovative ways in which this technology is being used. It not only aids in wildlife conservation but also opens up new avenues for research and exploration.


Further reading:



Speed Detection of Ships and Airplanes

The advent of high-resolution satellite imagery has revolutionized the field of remote sensing, enabling the monitoring and detection of moving objects like ships and airplanes. This technology has significant implications for traffic management, border surveillance, and military applications.

The Sentinel-2 satellites in the Copernicus program provide high-resolution multispectral images, which are recorded with temporal offsets up to 2.6 seconds. These temporal offsets allow moving airplanes to be observed at different positions in the multispectral band offsets, from which velocities can be determined.


The same Sentinel-2 satellites also enable the detection of moving ships. However, determining ship speeds is more challenging as wakes affect the average ship positions differently in the various multispectral bands.

The use of satellite images for speed detection of airplanes and ships presents a promising avenue for enhancing our understanding of traffic patterns and improving traffic management strategies. As the technology continues to evolve, it is expected that the accuracy and applicability of these methods will further improve.


Further reading



Counting Cars for Economic Metrics

Counting cars in parking lots using remote sensing data can be surprisingly effective for tracking economic activity, especially when done over time. Satellite data with high spatial resolution (e.g., 0.3 to 1 meter per pixel) is needed to capture images where individual vehicles can be visually identified in parking lots. The data is filtered to use only images from cloud-free days Images and are pre-processed to enhance contrast and reduce noise for better car detection. This may involve radiometric calibration and geometric correction. Machine learning models, especially convolutional neural networks (CNNs), are trained to identify and count vehicles.

Car Counts are used as an economic proxy. High and consistent car counts at retail centres suggest strong consumer demand and foot traffic. A growing or shrinking average car count can signal shifts in the local economy. But there are limitations to this method. External factors, such as a new lot nearby, public transit adoption, or economic downturns, could affect parking usage independently of actual economic health. These economic figures can be obtained separately from public company figures and thus allow an independent assessment of the economy.


Further reading:



Precision Farming Saves Farmer’s Money

By providing detailed, real-time data on crop health, soil conditions, and environmental factors, remote sensing allows farmers to make precise decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. With accurate data on soil moisture levels, nutrient content, and crop health, farmers can optimize the use of water, fertilizers, and other inputs. This helps to reduce waste and increases efficiency. Early signs of crop stress, disease, or pest infestations before they become widespread can be detected in remote sensing images. This early detection enables farmers to take timely action, preventing potential losses. Remote sensing technology can help predict crop yields more accurately by analysing vegetation indices and other indicators. This allows farmers to plan better for harvests and market demands. By leveraging these benefits, farmers can save time and resources while improving crop yields and sustainability. It's a win-win for both the farmers and the environment.


Further reading:



Discover and Preserve Archaeological Sites

Remote sensing satellite data has become a powerful tool in archaeology, revealing ancient landscapes, hidden structures, and even buried artifacts without the need for excavation. Its non-invasive approach allows archaeologists to investigate large areas quickly, often identifying features invisible to the naked eye. Satellite images help locate archaeological sites by detecting irregularities or patterns. Remote sensing allows archaeologists to understand the broader environmental context, showing how ancient people might have interacted with their surroundings. Satellite imagery helps identify areas of interest and plan excavations more effectively.


SMOS mission is helping to conserve prehistoric cave art in the Altamira caves in Northern Spain. Satellite data is used to understand changes in the cave's microclimate and predict future carbon dioxide levels. This helps preserving the ancient artworks, which are sensitive to variations in CO2 and temperature.


Further reading:



I hope you liked this brief introduction into surprising application of satellite remote sensing data.


Tschüss and Goodbye!

Marco



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I found another surprising use of remote sensing data.


The article below highlights how satellite remote sensing is instrumental in understanding the relationship between green spaces and human health.

NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) data obtained from satellite images provide information on the health and greenness of vegetation.

By combining satellite data with population health records, researchers can analyze the effects of environmental changes on public health, revealing significant correlations between the loss of green spaces and increased health issues. Greener environments are linked to lower rates of depression, respiratory illnesses, and cardiovascular diseases.


This shows the importance of preserving green spaces to enhance public health and well-being


'The prescription is nature': How satellites can show us the healing effects…

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