Earth Observation Services

Earth Observation activities

Since late 1980 the main focus of KSAT Earth Observation services have been near real-time services for marine applications. The core elements of the Earth Observation services rely on the SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) data processing facilities at KSAT. SAR has the ability of transmitting through clouds, and is not dependent on daylight. This priority is mainly a result of the cloudy weather conditions of the northern ocean areas and the dark winter seasons. The services developed by KSAT include processing of standard image products, provision of operational oil spill detection services, operational ship detection service and image data (SAR and optical) distribution services especially designed for supporting operations by other value adding providers.

Near real-time services

KSAT has a long experience in near real-time processing and distribution of satellite data. The processing facilities and distribution chain has been designed and developed explicitly for very fast deliveries of data to customers with operational needs. Near real-time is by KSAT defined as delivery of data and/or information in less than 1 hour after acquisition. KSAT uses Internet, ISDN lines, satellite links or fibre optics for distribution of products and information.

SAR data sales

The distribution of SAR data acquired and processed at the Tromsø Station, Grimstad or at SvalSat represents a major element in the business activities of KSAT. Services may include elements such as acquisition planning, data request, scheduling, acquisition, processing, data analysis and interpretation, sub-sampling of images and design, testing and implementation of dedicated distribution systems etc. KSAT is currently negotiating agreements that will include RADARSAT-2 and ALOS SAR data products in KSAT products- and services portfolio.

Marine monitoring services

KSAT is continuously developing the Earth Observation services. Current aims include the incorporating of wind and current information from SAR-images. Wind and current information is being used for both meteorological purposes as for the oil spill monitoring service. KSAT also provides satellite imagery for measuring sea surface temperature and ocean colour. Currently KSAT is involved in a national project for establishing an operational marine monitoring service. Such a service will provide near real-time information about oil spill, ship traffic, wind, wave, ocean currents, ocean colour, temperature etc. The ship detection service and oil spill monitoring has been a fully operational service for over a decade. Any oil spill or ships detected from SAR-data are reported to the customers in real time (less than an hour). KSAT operators are using a dedicated service workstation for information extraction, presentation and distribution.

• For more information see our oil spill detection movie.
• KSAT oil service - making sense of space (1 Mb)