Under the partnership, 4EI will derive a series of earth observation products and services using a wide range of satellite data including the daily updated multi-resolution and premium optical satellite data (Living Library), the curated global imagery layer updated annually (Basemap) and the WorldDEM dataset, for 3D analytics and rendering.

“This agreement with Airbus gives 4 Earth Intelligence the power of big data analytics and big data processing which will support our vision of developing products and services that provide benefit for the next generation of earth observation data users,” commented David Critchley, Chief Executive Officer of 4 Earth Intelligence.

“While there are already niche users of and applications for satellite imagery and derived data there is a whole segment of industry, government and business that does not yet understand how space can inform and influence decision making,” he continued, “with the valued support of Airbus we will develop a range of solutions which will shape the future of earth observation and remote sensing.”

With offices in Bristol, UK and Abu Dhabi, UAE, 4EI has pioneered the use of satellite data for smart monitoring and analysis creating city, region and countrywide map solutions for applications such as air quality, asset management, ecology and urban heat monitoring.

4EI has already completed flagship projects around the world including the creation of multiple iterations of the satellite environmental inventory of Abu Dhabi, innovative data fusion techniques in detecting soil quality and climate resilience analysis for Local Authorities in the UK.

4 Earth Intelligence (4EI) is a specialist in earth observation intelligence and data services. Built on decades of earth observation excellence, geospatial expertise and data analytics experience, 4EI creates data products, services and insights that enable organisations to manage risk and make informed decisions to improve outcomes.

With a focus on customer need 4EI designs solutions to solve core problems while ensuring data quality is proven, consistent and repeatable. 4EI has worked with government and commercial organisations, and leading academic institutions, to complete a range of projects including a new Global Air quality index, wide-scale habitat mapping and the use of machine learning for urban heat mapping.

4EI will focus on new sectors and technical innovations using machine learning and Artificial Intelligence to provide smart data for global environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution and population pressure. For further information www.4earthintelligence.com

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017 it generated revenues of € 59 billion restated for IFRS 15 and employed a workforce of around 129,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide

WHAT IS EARTH OBSERVATION?

Earth observation is the collection of information about the physical, chemical and biological systems of the planet via remote sensing techniques; in other words measurement or information gathering from a distance. Earth observation includes monitoring and assessing the status of, and changes in the natural and man-made environments. Techniques and technologies used for earth observation can range from floating buoys used to monitor ocean currents, temperature and salinity right up to sophisticated satellite sensors.

It is currently estimated there are in the region of 2,000 artificial satellites orbiting the earth designated into separate categories or roles; including communications, navigation and Global Positioning Satellites (GPS). This classification also includes the overarching definition of remote sensing satellite which can itself include a wide variety of sensors, and therefore data captured, including imagery, radar and non-imaging sensors such as infra-red and hyperspectral.