IMAGING

Leica CityMapper-3 airborne hybrid system

Leica CityMapper-3 airborne hybrid system is designed to improve operational efficiency by combining the latest imaging and LiDAR technologies within a single, configurable platform, streamlining data acquisition across demanding urban and regional mapping applications. On the imaging side, CityMapper-3 is the first CityMapper to feature a Leica MFC250-based camera system, powered by Sony’s IMX811 sensor, delivering up to a 30% increase in acquisition efficiency compared to previous generations. leica-geosystems.com

Coastal Observation Research Lab Inaugurated at Andhra University

A state-of-the-art Coastal Observation Research Laboratory (CORAL), funded by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), was recently inaugurated at the Centre for Studies on Bay of Bengal (CSBoB) at Andhra University, strengthening ocean and climate research in the region. The facility was inaugurated by NRSC director Dr Prakash Chauhan and Andhra University Vice-Chancellor prof. G.P. Raja Sekhar. Established under the NICES CORAL project, the laboratory has received `1.6 crore in funding from the NRSC over three years, while scientific equipment worth nearly `12 crore has been installed.

The laboratory houses advanced instruments, including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), FTIR Spectrophotometer, Dual-Beam UVVIS Spectrophotometer, pCO2 Sensor, Coulometer, Sun Photometer, Ozonometer, Nutrient Auto-Analyzer, Flow Cytometer and a Water Purification System. These will enable detailed analysis of dissolved inorganic carbon, nutrients, plankton and dissolved oxygen in ocean waters.

Visakhapatnam was selected for the facility because of its strategic location along the western Bay of Bengal, where river inflows, monsoon variability, cyclone activity and rapidly changing coastal ecosystems make it a natural climate laboratory. The research is expected to improve understanding of carbon cycling, marine ecosystems and aquaculture that supports coastal livelihoods. The NRSC is currently implementing five projects at CSBoB, including the new coastal observation initiative. As part of the project, research cruises will be conducted along selected transects in the Bay of Bengal to study ocean-atmosphere and land-sea interactions and their impact on marine ecosystems. www.deccanchronicle.com

100 Percent National LiDAR Coverage of All Low-Lying Islands in Tonga

In a major step toward climate resilience and evidence-based national planning, the Kingdom of Tonga has become one of the very few Pacific Island Countries with comprehensive national LiDAR coverage in 2026. This milestone was delivered through the Tonga Coastal Resilience Project (TCRP), funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Government of Tonga.

With the completion of the 2026 survey, Tonga has establish its first complete national LiDAR baseline to support coastal risk modelling, sea-level rise projections, disaster preparedness, infrastructure planning and long-term climate adaptation.

As part of this effort, a coastal mapping survey was conducted over Tongatapu and Ha’apai island group from 21 March to 18 April 2026 using a specialized survey aircraft. The survey will utilise LiDAR. www.undp.org

iXM-FS130 by Phase One

Phase One has announced the iXMFS130, a next-generation aerial mapping camera designed to unlock sub-centimeter ground sample distance (GSD) missions from a fixed-wing aircraft. It is built on the iXM platform and is introducing Phase One’s patented Fusion Shutter™ technology. Designed for fixedwing aircraft operations, it sets a new performance benchmark for large-scale aerial mapping, corridor inspection, and defense-grade imaging. phaseone.com

UAE to boost nation’s expertise in space sector

A programme has been announced to enhance Emirati expertise in the space sector. The SEO satellite mission is a collaboration involving the National Space Science and Technology Centre at United Arab Emirates University. The project, developed in co-operation with partners in China, aims to build national capabilities by involving Emirati engineers, researchers and students in all stages of satellite development and operations. The mission provides practical experience through its integrated facilities, including ground stations and satellite assembly, integration and testing, helping to prepare a new generation of specialists to support the growth of the UAE’s space sector. www.thenationalnews.com

South Korea launches 4th EO satellite from US

South Korea has launched its fourth Earth observation satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California It carries a domestically developed wide-area observation camera capable of imaging the entire Korean Peninsula every three days. It is the country’s first satellite dedicated to agriculture and forestry, designed to support applications including crop monitoring, forest management, disaster response and climate analysis. The satellite is scheduled to enter full service in the first half of 2027. www.aa.com

SPASA advances aerial imaging capabilities

Vexcel Imaging has announced that Servicios Politécnicos Aéreos (SPASA), an international reference in geospatial solutions with a consolidated presence across Europe, has expanded its aerial mapping capabilities with the acquisition of the UltraCam Osprey 4.2 nadir and oblique aerial camera system. vexcel-imaging.com