Deciding Between Satellites and Drones for Geospatial Data Collection: A Comparative Analysis

Satellites Drones Geospatial Data Collection Comparative Analysis

In recent times, the landscape of asset monitoring has witnessed a transformative shift with the emergence of advanced technologies, particularly satellite and drone systems.

The utilization of Earth observation satellites for monitoring purposes began gaining momentum in the late 20th century. Free government programs, such as those initiated by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), played a pivotal role in providing open access to satellite imagery. These programs not only facilitated scientific research but also allowed industries to leverage satellite data for monitoring critical infrastructure and environmental changes.

Weathering the Storm: Climate Change Threats to Power Grid Infrastructure

climate change EU UK Ireland satellite data

As our global climate continues to undergo profound transformations, the challenges posed by climate change are increasingly felt across various sectors of society, including critical infrastructure.

Climate change, characterized by rising temperatures, increased occurrences of extreme weather events, and shifting precipitation patterns, have exposed vulnerabilities within power networks. Often designed under the assumptions of historical climate patterns, now they are increasingly susceptible to the new normal of extreme weather, prolonged heat waves, and more severe freezing.

InSAR Analysis and Corner Reflector Experiments for Infrastructure Stability Monitoring Using Sentinel-1 Imagery

InSAR analysis Infrastructure Monitoring Sentinel Imagery

National Grid Energy Transmissions (NGET), which owns and maintains the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales, conducts invasive analysis annually to monitor the towers most at risk of movement. Moreover, the NGET inspection teams perform annual line walking activities and monthly substation inspections during which they visually assess the presence of asset motion. These interventions are crucial to avoid issues which may cause expensive assets replacements or reconstruction. It costs NGET over £6 million per year to monitor only 1% of their most at risk assets.

Utilizing Satellite Data to Mitigate Pipeline Failures and Risks

WorldPipelines

The operation of oil and gas transmission pipelines entails inherent risks associated with the potential for unintentional product releases. Oil and gas product releases have traditionally been treated as safety issues due to the risk of explosions and asphyxiation, but increasingly, the environmental impact of unintentional product releases is fast becoming the key risk to be reduced and avoided via Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs.

Behind the Spottitt MF Curtains: Role of Machine Learning in Analyzing Satellite Imagery

Spottitt MF object detection

Spottitt is known for utilising satellite data to offer infrastructure owners valuable insights into the diverse external risks affecting their assets. But how precisely do we derive these insights from satellite imagery? The answer is – machine learning, and today we’re inviting you behind the curtains of our product to unveil the whole process.

Top 10 Myths About Satellite Images and Analytics for Asset Monitoring. Part 2

vegetation height inspection, electricity grid planning, SAR sensor for land motion monitoring, methane and gas pipeline monitoring

In this piece, we delve into the realm of satellite technology, focusing on the determination of vegetation height and the planning of routes for electrical distribution lines.
Additionally, we examine the algorithm that empowers open-source meters in resolution SAR sensors to measure millimeters per year of land or asset motion. We also provide an overview of the driving forces behind the application of satellite technology for monitoring methane and other greenhouse gases.

Top 10 Myths About Satellite Images and Analytics for Asset Monitoring. Part 1

Price of satellite image, aerial image, GIS software

Today, we’re going to address common myths and misconceptions surrounding satellite data and analytics. These are questions that have frequently come up from both our clients and prospects. Our aim is to provide clarity and assist you in understanding whether satellite-based asset monitoring is something you should consider for your organization.

SAR and Optical Satellite Images for Advanced Asset Monitoring 

SAR Optical satellite images for asset risk monitoring

Among the vast array of satellite imagery options, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Optical satellite images have gained significant attention due to their unique capabilities in asset monitoring and analytics. In this article, we will explore the immense potential of SAR and Optical satellite images and delve into the derived analytics that is revolutionizing asset monitoring across diverse sectors.

Earth Observation Application for Infrastructure Sector 

EO Earth Observation Road Infrastructure Fire Forum

As the CEO and co-founder of Spottitt, a company that leverages Earth Observation (EO) data to provide actionable insights for various industries, I have seen first-hand the immense potential of EO for the Infrastructure Sector alongside the adoption challenges faced by infrastructure owners and operators.

Top Tips for Choosing the Right Satellite Analytics Provider for Your Needs

Criteria for choosing satellite analytics provider

Satellite-derived analytics is rapidly gaining ground as an essential tool for monitoring and managing risks in the power, utility, and infrastructure industries. It has been recognised as a key tool to improve safety, reliability, and optimal performance of critical assets by providing insights into their health, risks, and other key operational parameters.