Space imagery is an integral part of the big data revolution. But the value of satellite camera data relies on the capabilities of the satellite camera in use. Over the years, technology has quickly evolved. Today, we have high-resolution satellite cameras with the ability to identify individual objects with staggering precision.
The potential of space imagery is limitless, and with most projects requiring precise data, the importance of satellite cameras keeps growing.
Providing Graphical Reference to Assist Engineers and Planners
Satellite-based imagery produces detailed images of specific areas and their surroundings. Maps are usually location-based and communicate complex and structured data of target areas to provide a complete picture.
This feature has numerous applications inEarth observation and remote sensing. Today, government agencies and private companies use satellite cameras for defense operations, government decision-making, and Geographic Information Systems planning and engineering projects. Unlike in the past, data from satellite camera imagery is mandatory in government departments.
Satellite Cameras in Disaster Mitigation and Recovery
The aftermath of catastrophic natural disasters can be quite devastating. Depending on scale and damage extent, they can be challenging to assess. However, accurate disaster assessments are vital for rescue teams. Satellite imagery has revolutionized how crews respond to disasters in multiple ways.
The data has to be gathered accurately and deployed quickly to minimize further loss of life. As such, the object-based classification that uses pre-and post-event imagery is a great way to collect data for damage assessment. Similarly, it can help in disaster management using digital surface models and measuring shadows from natural and man-made structures.
Support 3D GIS City Models for Urban Planning
3D GIS city models are digital versions of urban areas. They often represent sites, terrain surfaces, vegetation, buildings, landscape, infrastructure, and other objects present in urban areas. It uses 2D and 3D georeferenced data and spatial data to describe and represent the components.
3D city models are essential in supporting the exploration, analysis, presentation, and management of vital tasks in various applications. In addition, 3D GIS is the absolute solution for expansive and remote locations with rugged terrain that makes manual surveys almost impossible. Different urban planning departments often use 3D GIS data to plan for sewerage, drainage, and water supply.
Satellite-Based Spectral Analysis for Mineral Exploration
When conducting pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for mineral exploration, it is essential to understand the mineral potential of the target area for mineral extraction. How does a satellite camera work in these cases? Satellite-based mapping integrated into GIS software can help scientists map and identify areas with the highest mineral potential, thus saving time and resources.
By leveraging spectral analysis on the images, the exploration teams can identify and map out mineral zones using predetermined indicators. This helps scientists narrow down the geophysical, geochemical, and mineral drilling initiatives to specific zones with the highest potential.
Capability
The imagery technology can only be as good as the resolution of which the camera used in the satellite is able to perform. High-resolution cameras can accurately track human footprint and are often used to map communities across the globe.
Currently, the classification of satellite camera capability into low, medium, and high resolutions is only provisional. And that’s because space imagery technology is rapidly growing and changing our perspective of what is satellite camera.
Low to Medium Resolution Satellite Cameras
There are lots of free, open-source space camera imagery that covers the entire globe. The low to medium resolution satellite cameras are often used to provide a historical look back with a wide application. The data generated from the satellite camera field of view is updated regularly and available for immediate viewing, analysis, and download.
The most important aspect of low to medium satellite cameras is the spectral bands in the image data. Different combinations of spectral indexes and bands can help unlock hidden features and information that are otherwise invisible. While these space cameras have a coarse spatial resolution, they offer a wide range of analytical opportunities.
High-Resolution Satellite Cameras
In commercial high-resolution space camera imagery, it’s easy to identify specific objects like cars and houses. The high level of detail makes it possible to achieve high precision in detailed mapping, urban studies, dumpsite monitoring, open mines, and 3D city modeling.
Modern commercial-application space cameras can collect data as needed. This implies that these cameras can be used to capture data at a specific location at a particular time. This capability guarantees the availability of satellite imagery data.
Also, the capability has transformed disaster response and mitigation efforts. During man-made and natural disasters, high-resolution satellites are often on the front line to provide detailed views of disaster areas otherwise inaccessible from the ground.
Conclusion
Unlike in the past, the capabilities of satellite cameras have evolved tremendously. What we call low-resolution today was considered high-resolution a few decades ago. And the technology is only getting better as new satellite camera capabilities emerge. With multiple applications across different industries, the importance of satellite cameras is numerous.
