Imaging

Satellite imagery helps fight locust plagues in N Africa

DMC International Imaging is helping The Algerian Space Agency to predict the spread of locust plagues across North Africa as part of a pro-active approach to tackle the destructive phenomenon using satellite imagery. Every year, North Africa is subjected to locust plagues that threaten to decimate crops and endanger countries’ food security. The satellite imagery is used to assess vegetation conditions, which helps to predict the locations of locust breeding grounds. The imagery is used in conjunction with weather data to help create locust forecasts and focus the application of pesticides to prevent the spread of swarms. www.dmcii.com

Proteus wins contract in Ireland

Proteus, a provider of satellite-derived bathymetric mapping and seabed classi cation services, has been awarded a major contract by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) to deliver complete bathymetric surveys of  ve Irish bays. In addition to operational mapping, Proteus will use satellite data to create a seabed classi cation map and perform water quality monitoring on one of the bays for proof-of-concept purposes. www.proteusgeo.com

Environmental monitoring solutions by 3D Laser mapping

3D Laser Mapping has launched a range of remote satellite monitoring solutions that will allow data to be transmitted from inaccessible and inhospitable environments. The CatchR range of solutions include systems for water  ow, depth and level monitoring, equipment status reporting, detection of toxic substances and weather reporting. www.3dlasermapping.com

Digital tips to aid UP, India farmers raise produce

UP farmers would soon get digital tips to improve the quality of land and better farm practices. In a study that can have far-reaching results for farmers, the state government is preparing a database of agricultural land using remote sensing and GIS. The digital maps of the agricultural land will help identify waste, degraded, gullied and waterlogged land in UP. The agriculture department would then work on land reclamation and help farmers to increase farm production. http:// articles.timeso ndia.indiatimes.com

Thailand, China to cooperate on space survey, remote sensing

Thailand and China have signed an agreement on space technology development, aimed at trade and investment cooperation on remote sensing and survey. The deal was signed between the Thai Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and the Chinese Wuhan Information Technology Outsourcing Service and Research Centre (WITOSRC). A ground station and administration of ce, with an initial investment of 300 million yuan (Bt 1,500 million or US$50 million), will be built by China on Thai soil. www.pattayamail.com

J&K, India: Satelite images to improve education system

The state government has decided to use satellite imagery to identify remote hamlets where no schools have been set up so far. The state’s remote-sensing department has been tasked to map the existing primary, middle and higher secondary schools in the state using a “geographic information system”. www.hindustantimes.com

Chinese news outlet to use drones

Chinese news outlet Hubei Daily Media Group reportedly plans to begin employing unmanned drones to take aerial photographs. Hubei will purchase two unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, and is seeking a drone operator. Chen Yong, head of the company’s Aerial Photography Center, said that the move will enable the company to obtain unique photographs while bypassing the high costs associated with renting helicopters. www.ibtimes.com

Kazakhstan to launch first remote sensing satellite this year

The Kazakh space agency said that it plans to launch the country’s  rst Earth remote sensing satellite by the end of this year. The system includes two optoelectronic satellites, and the cost will be about 260 million euros. Astrium is a strategic partner in the Kazakh remote sensing program. www.spacedaily.com

Ecuador launches its first satellite

Ecuador launched into orbit the  rst satellite, indigenously manufactured, called ‘Pegasus’, from the Jiuquan space center, in China. The satellite was launched by Chinese rocket Long March 2D. The ‘Pegasus’, a cube 10 by 10 inches and weighs 1.2 kilograms, will broadcast live images and video of earth having educational and scienti c purposes. www.elcomercio.com