The use of satellite imagery and Earth Observation data is set to grow exponentially in 2022. Uplift in space activity and increased launch capacity within the UK’s space sector is paving the way for more businesses to access and harness the benefits of this data for good - exploring the impact of climate change, and what can be done to boost our resilience to environmental issues, both locally and nationally, using information gathered from space and satellites.
The on-the-ground assets that form Cornwall’s ever-growing space cluster are attracting businesses at the forefront of this application of data - demonstrating how space can be used to solve Earth’s climate challenges.
4 Earth Intelligence, industry leaders in Applied Earth Intelligence and analytics, have recently expanded into the region. At the cutting edge of Earth Observation, 4EI uses space data for the betterment of humans and the planet.
The company has worked with some of the World’s leading public and private organisations across the globe - enabling them to harness space data to gain further knowledge and in turn, become more environmentally conscious.
Their novel use of cutting-edge space technology allows them to create large scale environmental baselines through the mapping of an entire landscape that can then be turned into an audit of environmental assets. This data can be translated into actionable intelligence for a range of applications - on both a small and large scale.
4EI have delivered multiple projects (both in the UK and the Middle East), where satellites have formed the primary data source for understanding natural capital and carbon absorption. Their continued work providing environmental asset inventories from satellites (at varying levels of detail) has helped to inform environmental protection policy: contributing to targeted species regeneration campaigns, such as mangroves in the United Arab Emirates, and providing input information for urban green infrastructure planning with Local Authorities in the UK.
Richard Flemmings, CTO, 4 Earth Intelligence: “Satellites provide an objective and repeatable evidence base for governments and corporations to understand their assets, and the landscape around their assets, and the impacts of their assets. By interpreting satellite Earth Observation data in different ways, we can provide consistent and wide-area understanding of the environment and environmental indicators. With ever increasing pressure on natural resources, our products and services can help to inform strategy, mitigation measures, and demonstrate real impact.”
The broad range of applications of Earth Observation and the accessibility, reliability and transparency of Earth Intelligence is able to overcome key data challenges in many industries. As access to space increases, so do the benefits of the intelligence gathered. Cornwall is now central to growing this industry and highlighting how Earth Observation can help change policy and tackle climate change for future generations.
In order to support organisations to make sustainable decisions for their business and the environment, Cornwall Space Cluster and Spaceport Cornwall are hosting an ‘Earth | Environment | Intelligence’ event at the Eden Project, where 4EI will highlight their latest work in Environmental Intelligence.
The event will bring together businesses, like 4EI, organisations, academics and government from across Cornwall to explore the impact of climate change and discuss how progressive launch solutions and in-space sustainability can help us maximise the benefits of increased Earth Observation with minimum impact.
Gail Eastaugh, Director, Cornwall Space Cluster: “Cornwall is truly focused on growing our green economy and Environmental Intelligence can help us build a cleaner, more sustainable future. We’re excited to be welcoming businesses like 4 Earth Intelligence to the region, and developing the Earth Observation offering through collaborative events, like the upcoming one at the Eden Project, that bring together local organisations, academia and government to innovate in this space.”
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