Earth Observation data to be introduced in 35 public sector bodies

Public services like land use, environmental monitoring and emergency response could all be improved with the adoption of Earth Observation data

35 public sector bodies across the UK are to access and pilot-test high-resolution Earth Observation data and services.

Earth Observation (EO) is the collection, analysis, and presentation of information about planet Earth’s physical, chemical, and biological systems through remote sensing technologies.

Satellite EO is the use of a variety of satellite-based imaging equipment, including optical, radar, altimeter, and atmospheric instruments, to collect information about the Earth.

Earth Observation data could help transform analysis in key policy areas

Looking to improve its EO technologies, the UK government plans to use the data for academic, institutional, public sector and commercial services.

From 2023 to 2024, the Geospatial Commission will run a commercial EO pilot for up to 35 public sector bodies, to test solutions that lower the barrier to entry of EO data for the public sector.

Eligible UK public sector bodies will be able to access and test the data against a range of use cases for a 12-month period.

“From effective disaster response to enhancing the science behind our understanding of land use change”

Viscount Camrose, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said: “This government is taking action to unlock the significant potential of fast-developing location technologies.

“The Earth Observation capability that is being piloted by the Geospatial Commission will test how we can drive innovation in the heart of government service delivery, from effective disaster response to enhancing the science behind our understanding of land use change.”

Delivering the UK’s National Space Strategy ambition

DSIT works closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the UK Space Agency to consider how government can use Earth Observation data to deliver the government’s National Space Strategy ambition.

This ambition aims to maintain the UK’s position at the forefront of EO technology.

To ensure this pilot works, the Geospatial Commission co-funded research showing the increasing demand for EO data across 154 use cases from 125 organisations.

While also demonstrating its issues with the public sector’s wider adoption of EO data, such as different levels of understanding in the fast-moving EO market, the pilot has been predicted to boost public sector capability.

Thalia Baldwin, Director of Geospatial Commission, added: “Our Earth Observation pilot is aiming to keep the UK in its high geospatial orbit, increasing public sector capability and the demand for market innovation through testing new applications of EO data and technologies.”

Our Earth Observation pilot is aiming to keep the UK in its high geospatial orbit, increasing public sector capability and the demand for market innovation

This Earth Observation data agreement with The Geospatial Commission will be piloted in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space.