Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Welcome to the 14th issue of the NPA Satellite Mapping newsletter Our third newsletter of 2018 concludes the theme of “Satellite Data and Base Mapping – Past, Present and Future” by focusing upon satellite-derived elevation data within the context of NPA Satellite Mapping’s experience, expertise and solution portfolio. It also reviews two of our new offshore seepage studies and the integration of our MotionMap UK data into Terrafirma’s ground risk report. We hope you enjoy the newsletter. Don't forget that you can follow our LinkedIn page and Twitter feed for more regular news and updates. As always, feel free to call us at +44 (0)1732 865023 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your challenges and explore how we can help. Best wishes, The NPA Satellite Mapping team
SATELLITE DATA AND BASEMAPPING – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Introduction to Satellite Elevation Data
Elevation mapping of almost the entire world has been available for almost 2 decades. Now, detailed topographic surveys of large areas can often be completed in days...
> Read More
NEWS
New Seepage Study Released
To coincide with 2019 license rounds, NPA Satellite Mapping has released a seepage study over Madagascar...
> Read More
MotionMap UK: Enhancing Ground Risk Reports
See how MotionMap UK is being used to enhance ground risk reports for the UK’s leading independent advisor on ground hazards…
> Read More
Satellite News Roundup
A selection of news topics from across the industry, keeping you up-to-date with recent satellite launches and developments...
> Read More
EVENTS & TRAVEL
Upcoming Events & Travel
NPA Satellite Mapping team members are attending various events around the globe in the coming months. Feel free to pop over and have a chat with our friendly staff…
> Read More
Introduction to Satellite Elevation Data
Satellites Bring New Heights to Earth Modelling Capabilities Deriving terrain elevation data from the early Earth resource satellites was initially out of the question. These satellites
only imaged vertically with scanners that did not provide stereo overlap and with resolutions that, even if in stereo, would
not have produced models comparable to those created by terrestrial mapping techniques.
Of course, as with most Earth observation developments, the technology was driven by military requirements and, in
particular, the Cold War and cruise missile guidance. De-classified Russian forward overlap stereo frame imagery, such
as 10 m resolution TK-350 analogue films, became available in the 1990s, however, the first commercially useful digital
stereo data came in 1986 from the side-pointing 10 m resolution SPOT-1 satellite. Maximum slewing rates meant
obtaining the two looks, needed for stereo, on different orbital overpasses. This resulted in source images acquired on
dates often weeks apart; with solar, land cover and other environmental conditions changing during the interval. All
these variations lead to poor image correlation and, therefore, frequent errors in the derived height model. Nevertheless,
there were also many situations, such as projects in remote deserts, where cloud free data could be captured quickly
and relatively detailed elevation data produced to aid operational planning in areas previously mapped as little more
than being sand!
Free 30 m resolution Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) model over the Zagros.
Little changed for several years until, at the turn of the century, in close succession, various satellite missions enabled
a range of elevation model solutions. The year 1999 saw the launch of ASTER, with both vertical and rear pointing 15
m resolution scanners, and IKONOS, with 1 m resolution sensor which could look forward and re-point to look back after
an overpass. The quality of elevation data significantly improved when derived from these same overpass stereo
systems.
However, the biggest milestone in topographic mapping came from just ten days of data collection in February 2000,
when the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) mapped the whole land mass of Earth between +/-60deg latitude.
Again, driven by military requirements and after a year of processing, the data provided the first consistent elevation
model of most of the planet. Now, available for free at 30 m resolution, it still serves as an extremely useful reference.
Two years after SRTM, SPOT-5 launched with a dedicated 5 m x 10 m High Resolution Stereo (HRS) sensor. Whilst
SRTM data remained classified below 90 m resolution, SPOT HRS produced possibly the most comprehensive and
accessible source of regional elevation data at up to 20 m resolution.
The two following advances in global elevation data came from optical and radar data that was processed at around the
same time. To minimise the impact of clouds, stacks of ALOS PRISM 2.5 m stereo data, captured from 2006-2011,
have been processed to produce a 5 m elevation model of much of the world. This ‘AW3D’ model is currently arguably
the most cost effective model for many areas and applications. Meanwhile, in 2010, the appropriately named TanDEM-
X satellite was launched to orbit alongside the TerraSAR-X satellite and interferometrically derive a 12 m gridded model
‘WorldDEM’. Processed over about 3 years, this data was designed to provide a step up from SRTM, covering the high
latitudes, increasing the detail and filling SRTM voids.
WorldView-3 Digital Terrain Model (DTM) over Cornwall.
For localized projects, many of the 50 cm or better resolution satellites have either stereo or tri-stereo (forward, vertical
and back looking) capabilities which provide the ultimate in what can be derived from satellite imagery today. Kompsat-
3A and the GaoJing-1 (Superview-1) constellation provide 50 cm stereo imagery which can produce 1 m elevation
models. The Pleiades 50 cm sensors and WorldView-3 or-4 30 cm scanners can all capture tri-stereo imagery, which
effectively provide three stereo combinations to greatly help in the production of detailed models in areas with steep
slopes.
Satellites now enable highly detailed improvements to global elevation models to be produced, often in a matter of days.
NPA Satellite Mapping (NPA) is proud to be an official distributor/reseller for the satellite data sets that are
available. NPA provides unbiased advice to ensure that our clients receive the right imagery for the job.
For more information on how optical imagery can benefit your project, please contact: Richard Chiles, Remote Sensing Manager +44 (0)1732 865023 [email protected]
> Back to Contents
New Seepage Study Released
New Seepage Study Released Over Madagascar In November at Africa Oil Week, Madagascar’s Ministry of Mining and Petroleum will unveil its new 2019 licensing round. In the early 20th century heavy oil-rich sediment basins were discovered in the west of the country. However, Madagascar’s acreage still remains relatively underexplored. Boasting 450 open blocks, of which 306 are offshore, Madagascar presents an attractive environment for exploration. NPA Satellite Mapping is currently increasing coverage levels of satellite data offshore Madagascar, which could potentially uncover temporal repetition over existing slicks or discover new sites of possible seepage. This key information for offshore Madagascar is now available from NPA Satellite Mapping. Follow the link to the Madagascar Seepage Study 2018 (PDF).
Global Offshore Seep Database NPA Satellite Mapping offers the Global Offshore Seeps Database (GOSD) as the main component of its Seep Explorer onshore and offshore seeps product suite. Hydrocarbon seep detection from satellite imaging maps the location and repeatability of naturally occurring oil seepage offshore. GOSD is a recognized and valuable tool for New Ventures & Exploration teams and has been adopted by the majority of the major international oil companies. Follow the link to the Global Offshore Seep Database (PDF).
If you are interested in these studies, or in any other offshore region, please contact: Will Jeffery, Offshore Interpretation Manager +44 (0)1732 865023 [email protected]
> Back to Contents
New Release: MotionMap UK
MotionMap UK Enhances Ground Risk Reports High precision ground stability measurements from NPA Satellite Mapping’s recently released MotionMap UK database
is now being used to enhance the specialist ground risk reports of Terrafirma Search, the UK’s leading independent
advisor on ground hazards.
After signing a multi-year agreement with NPA Satellite
Mapping in September 2018, Terrafirma is one of the
first UK companies to include the latest-generation
MotionMap UK data, which reveals millimeter-scale
changes in ground and building heights, in their suite of
geological, geotechnical and environmental services.
MotionMap UK data will enhance the insight, risk
ratings and professional recommendations of
Terrafirma’s property and land reports used by
professionals to identify, assess, manage and resolve
ground hazards and the risk they pose to land, property
and assets.
For further information on this announcement please
refer to our news release and visit
www.understandtheground.co.uk for details on
Terrafirma’s Ground Report.
MotionMap UK data is generated using state-of-the-art
satellite InSAR data processing. It gives geologists,
engineers and surveyors unique insight into the
location, extent and evolution of ground stability
hazards. MotionMap UK data is available now for one-
off purchase, subscription or royalty payment access.
Contact us now to take advantage of preferential
access to this new and critical ground stability data.
For more information on how MotionMap UK can benefit your project, please contact: Adam Thomas, InSAR Surveying Manager +44 (0)1732 865023 [email protected]
> Back to Contents
Satellite News Roundup Here is a selection of news topics from across the industry, keeping you up-to-date with recent satellite launches and developments.
Successful UK Satellite Launch
In a collaboration between Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) and Airbus, the NovaSAR-1 satellite was launched on 16th September 2018. This S-band SAR satellite will have resolutions between 6 m and 30 m depending on the swath width selected from between 20 km and 150 km. A maritime mode will provide a 400 km wide swath and the satellite will be able to pick up AIS signals.
DMC3 Constellation Addition The S1-4 was launched with NovaSAR-1 and is an identical satellite to the DMC3 / Triplesat. It has an imaging capacity leased to Twenty First Century Aerospace Technology (21AT) for the lifetime of the satellite with <1 m panchromatic and <4 m multispectral resolution and a 24 km wide swath. It was built as a joint venture between SSTL, UK / 21AT and China. SAOCOM 1A Launched on SpaceX Falcon 9 The Argentinian L-band SAR satellite was launched with SpaceX Falcon 9 on 7th October 2018. It has a resolution of between 7 and 100 m with a 50 – 400 km swath width. It will be jointly operated with the existing 4 Italian COSMO-SkyMed X-band SAR satellites. For advice on the data types best suited to your project and budget, please contact:
Richard Chiles, Remote Sensing Manager +44 (0)1732 865023 [email protected]
> Back to Contents
Upcoming Events & Travel Our experts will be at the following events in the coming months:
November 27 - 29, 2018
PETEX, Olympia, London Representatives of our Exploration team
December 10 – 12, 2018
The Geological Remote Sensing Group Annual Conference, London Representatives of our Exploration, InSAR and Imagery teams
December 12 – 13, 2018
PROSPEX, London Rowan Edwards & Mark Broadley
If you see that we will be in a location near you, please contact us: NPA Satellite Mapping +44 (0)1732 865023 [email protected]
> Back to Contents
If you have any questions, or would like to add colleagues to our newsletter distribution list, please send an email to
[email protected]. For regular news and updates, please follow us on Twitter (@cggnpa) and LinkedIn.
