Is it possible to inspect and protect critical infrastructure from the sky with the help of satellites? Let’s discuss this and see what are the use cases and benefits of infrastructure sector monitoring by using satellites.
Infrastructure is essential for the functioning of a society and economy. The distribution of water, energy, and commercial facilities should be maintained consistently to guarantee security and stability and minimize the risk of failure.
Traditionally, infrastructure has been monitored by:
Each of these methods has its pros and cons, which we will discuss thoroughly in one of our next articles. Here are just a couple of reasons why and where satellite monitoring can be a great alternative to traditional methods:
Also, combining a few monitoring techniques can provide a fuller picture of the assets’ conditions and significantly mitigate operational and maintenance (O&M) risks.
As stated previously, one of the benefits of satellites is that they provide data at scale, being able to cover thousands of kilometers and hectares all around the globe, with no exception. Before starting investments, private companies or governmental authorities can get near real-time data about the particular location, for instance, land condition, including land motion, moisture etc but also the presence and proximity of different types of objects on the site. It applies to both underground assets like gas pipelines and above-the-ground assets like power lines.
Another great power of satellites is that, being complemented by the technology, they provide an accurate and automatic evaluation of asset conditions over time. It allows spotting crucial changes in assets’ health, for instance, gas leaks as well as changes in the surrounding area, for instance, newly started construction works too close to the network. Or new vegetation has grown nearby and that can damage power lines. Hence, satellite data can be an efficient tool for the identification of infrastructure issues and mitigating risks caused by human activity or the environment surrounding the assets.
We at Spottitt have clients for whom protecting and improving ecosystems within their area of operations is one of the priorities. More to that, we observe that infrastructure owners and operators now see themselves as being responsible for the greater impact they have on the environment. Here, space-based Earth observation (EO) offers a truly global perspective for observing environmental changes. Satellite remote sensing can be a great help in mitigating negative consequences of biodiversity loss, whether it concerns plant biodiversity or changes in species composition.
To summarize, some benefits of using satellite monitoring for the infrastructure sector are:
Satellites can be used as a standalone monitoring solution or in conjunction with other tools to provide a robust and reliable ground for asset managers for making the right decisions on their infrastructure. Satellite data also can help mitigate risks of failure, downtime and critical collapses. It’s applicable for all types of assets, any geographical location and landscape surface. It reduces human effort and provides insights in a rapid and digital manner.
Technology does not stand still. It’s time to embrace the incredible capabilities of satellites for infrastructure sector monitoring.
Chief Growth Officer
We’re looking for a Business Development Manager who’s ready to play a pivotal role in shaping our growth story.
You’ll be the driving force behind new client relationships, opening up industries that have yet to realise the potential of satellite data, and turning opportunity into long-term success.
Should you build a geospatial analytics team in-house or outsource to specialized providers while maintaining strong GIS systems and data management in-house?
As critical infrastructure evolves under the pressure of aging assets, regulatory demands, and environmental risks, geospatial analytics is no longer a “nice-to-have” – it’s a strategic necessity.
Throughout years, infrastructure monitoring has progressed from manual field inspections to advanced remote sensing using satellites, drones, LIDAR, and AI-powered analytics.
Each technology brings distinct advantages and limitations, making the choice complex.
This comparison sheet offers an overview of technologies to help identify the best-fit solutions for linear infrastructure owners and operators.
Welcome to your monthly roundup of the latest updates from the Spottitt Metrics Factory platform. As always, we’re working to make your asset risk analytics experience more insightful, flexible and faster.
Future Climate Data Models Now Integrated
Understanding how climate change affects infrastructure is no longer limited to the past or current. Spottitt MF now integrates future climate scenario models, based on global models developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Welcome to Spottitt “Let’s Talk Satellite EO Data” eBook – your ultimate guide to understanding satellite-derived data types, their applications in asset monitoring, of the different types of data providers, and practical tips for navigating the challenges of using remote sensing data.
This resource is designed to help you make well-informed decisions about the use and integration of EO data, ultimately to ensure the safety and performance of your critical infrastructure.
At Spottitt, we’re constantly working to enhance your experience with our analytics platform, by making data visualization and reporting more intuitive, flexible, and insightful. This month, we’re introducing several updates which give you even more control and customization.
🌍 Your Free Climate Data Now Displayed as a Gradient Layer in a Map Format
Just like our other data layers, your free climate data can now be viewed on the map in a compact gradient color format. While generating a report on how each climate parameter impacts your assets is the best way to match this data to your assets and can be nice to view these data layers – helping you assess environmental exposure at a glance.
