The earth observation industry is continually evolving, anticipating a seamless integration of new technologies, sensing modalities and unconventional data sources. As the demand for earth observation data explodes to address the challenges of the global population, climate change, disasters, etc., the earth observation industry is endeavouring to adopt innovative and progressive models imbibing the distinctive aspects of Earth observation data capture. In perspective, the future of earth observation is going to be all about disruptive technologies, innovative solutions, new applications and technology integration that will impact businesses and society alike.
Trend#1: EO Data Analytics
Today, the future of the earth observation industry does not depend on it only providing data; but also providing earth-observation data analytics. It has become imperative for businesses and users alike to understand the scientific, socio-economic and environmental benefits derived from earth observation data analytics. Since the beginning of time, earth observation data analytics was considered to be a severe challenge. However, in recent times, the leading earth observation companies are expanding their portfolios to offer data analytics as a service. Rodrigo Almeida, Pre-Sales Engineer, Planet explains, “The future of earth observation is in moving from data to analysis-ready data (ARD), i.e. in the ability to generate insights using automatic procedures – and bring value to customers – and this is only possible when data is interoperable and readily available for analysis.”
The GeoBuiz-18 report finds that the downstream segment which primarily includes the imagery/map analytics market is expected to touch US$ 42.3 Billion in 2020. This steady growth of earth observation data and analytics solutions enables the use of analysed satellite imagery for informed decision making across all economic sectors. In agreement is Daniel Wicks, Geospatial Intelligence Manager, Satellite Applications Catapult, “With satellites producing increasing amounts of data, advances in onboard processing of data will facilitate near real-time transfer of data, empowering users to make smarter and quicker decisions.” In the future, the emergence of start-ups in the earth observation data analytics and web-and-cloud enabled applications are foreseen to drive the future of the earth observation segment.
Trend#2: Space 4.0 and Industry 4.0
Another trend that is expected to shape the future of earth observation is Space 4.0. In Europe specifically, it is believed that the EO shift in paradigm has already taken place and is in full swing. Thomas Beer, Copernicus Policy Coordinator, Copernicus Space Office, ESA, highlights the emergence of Space 4.0 as crucial to the future of earth observation and its impact on all aspects of manned and unmanned space endeavours at ESA and elsewhere. According to him, “Space 4.0 represents the evolution of the space sector into a new era, characterised by a new playing field. Not only does it embrace new technologies like AI, ML and Big Data, it also relies on the interaction between governments, the private sector, society and politics.”
Undoubtedly, Space 4.0 is closely intertwined with the 4th Industrial Revolution, i.e. it is being driven by emerging technologies such as AI, ML, Big data, Cloud and IoT – all of which are going to be crucial for the earth observation segment. Doris Klein, Scientific Advisor, German Remote Sensing Data Centre (DFD), German Aerospace Centre, sums up the need for augmenting the EO information with enabling technologies of the future, “All the new IT technologies (AI, Cloud, Big Data, etc.) are currently transforming the way we process, analyze and use earth observation data. This includes also merging all kinds of other information with EO data.”
Given the two trends (and many more!) the future of earth observation is bright. Open data, big data and technology revolutions are stimulating for both businesses, governments, and citizens. Today, the industry is witnessing a wide variety of downsized technologies – miniaturisation of sensors and satellites; a high number of private entrepreneurial missions, and adoption of new technologies such as AR/VR, artificial intelligence and machine learning, cloud, etc. All of this and much more is becoming plausible with an increase in space investments; more private sector companies – large, medium and small – entering the earth observation foray; redefining the very meaning of the what the future holds. The question that Doris Klein puts to you, and we ask you:
Is the market big enough or can the market be stimulated with new demands, to enable this business?
If you are interested in hearing the answer to the above question; and would like to participate actively in discussions on how the future of earth observation is shaping up – Copernicus Masters is hosting a 1.5 hours seminar on Future of EarthObservation in the Commercialization and Democratization of Earth Observation program at the Geospatial World Forum 2019 on 4th April 2019. Please Register to attend.
