ESA satellite imaging for DMCii
This week, the European Space Agency awarded DMC International Imaging Ltd (DMCii) a contract to provide satellite imagery of 38 countries in Europe. Remote sensing will be used to monitor Europe’s environment and land use, including natural resources such as agricultural land and forests. High resolution DMC satellite images will provide valuable information for the European Global Monitoring for Environment & Security (GMES) services and European scientists.
It is difficult to achieve cloud free coverage of Europe in a single year, but DMCii coordinates a constellation (DMC) of 4 satellites carrying the same sensors, which can dramatically speed up the process when compared to a single satellite operating in isolation.
Paul Stephens, DMCii reflected on the constellation approach, “This campaign demonstrates the value of constellations for imaging large areas in a short time. With several new DMC satellites launching in 2008 and 2009 we plan to start providing multi-season imaging services in Europe and elsewhere to meet the operational needs of GMES services. ”
Images are acquired within dates specified by each of the 38 countries, and delivered as precisely positioned data in each national map projection. DMCii started to acquire high resolution imagery in April ‘07 and will complete the campaign in October.
Mon, 14.01.2008 14:42
Just Silver Martin?!