The Geospatial Commission launches Earth Observation pilot

The Geospatial Commission has launched an Earth Observation (EO) pilot that will use satellite data to support the delivery of critical public services.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said the initiative aims to unlock the value of EO technology in policy areas, including land use, environmental monitoring and emergency response. 

It will be open to up to 35 organisations in the public sector and aims to test solutions that lower the barrier to entry of EO data for the public sector. 

The programme will be delivered in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space and will run until the end of March 2024. During the year-long pilot, eligible public sector bodies will be able to access and test the data against a number of use cases for the entirety of the period. 

Unlocking EO potential 

DSIT Minister, Viscount Camrose, who announced the launch of the EO pilot last week, said: This government is taking action to unlock the significant potential of fast-developing location technologies. The Earth Observation capability that is being piloted by the Geospatial Commission will test how we can drive innovation in the heart of government service delivery, from effective disaster response to enhancing the science behind our understanding of land use change."

Thalia Baldwin, Director, Geospatial Commission, added: “Our Earth Observation pilot is aiming to keep the UK in its high geospatial orbit, increasing public sector capability and the demand for market innovation through testing new applications of EO data and technologies.”