The Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform constitutes a key initiative within the Space Data Center.
In collaboration with Bayanat, the UAE Space Agency has unveiled the operational phase of the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform, marking a significant milestone announced on the sidelines of its inaugural participation in COP28’s Space Pavilion. This achievement is a direct outcome of the transformative government project initiated in Q3 2022 and a strategic partnership disclosed during the Abu Dhabi Space Debate 2022.
The Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform encompasses three crucial services: facilitating access to satellite imagery from international space agencies and leading private entities, employing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based algorithms for generating analytics reports, and establishing a market-place for space applications and AI Space-Based Models. These services aim to attract top innovators, expedite space product development, and contribute to the diversification of the UAE’s economy.
Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said: The operational phase of the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform is a significant strategic step towards strengthening the UAEs position as a major player in the global space industry and supporting sustainability. The platform will certainly contribute to improving our understanding of Earth and climate changes, and developing scientific and technological capabilities to combat these changes.
Al Qubaisi added: By providing accurate and comprehensive space data to scientists and institutions, this platform will enhance efforts to face global challenges such as climate change and natural disasters. This reflects the UAEs commitment towards innovation and leadership in space exploration, and consolidating its position as a hub for scientific and technological excellence in the region and the world.
Ibrahim Hamza Al Qasim, Deputy Director-General of UAE Space Agency, stated: The Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform will offer major technical development in the field of remote sensing and Earth observation, as it is distinguished by its ability to provide direct and rapid access to satellite data, which opens new horizons for scientists, researchers, and public and private institutions.
Al Qasim added: It will also contribute to developing innovative solutions to meet national and global challenges more efficiently, such as monitoring climate change, managing natural resources, and responding to natural disasters, by facilitating analyses and forecasts based on accurate satellite data, to create early warning systems and enhance rapid response.
In a parallel development, the UAE Space Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maldives, aimed at bilateral cooperation to leverage the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform’s services in building an atlas of loss and damage for the Maldives. The MoU seeks to enhance the Maldives’ capabilities in analyzing and forecasting challenges related to climate change and natural disasters.
Meanwhile, the UAE Space Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maldives, to form the basis for bilateral cooperation aimed at benefiting from the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platforms services, to build an atlas of loss and damage for the Maldives. The MoU aims to enhance its capabilities in analysing and forecasting challenges related to climate change and natural disasters.
The Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform is a flagship project of the Space Data Center, designed to provide comprehensive access to satellite data for scientists, researchers, public and private entities, startups, and community members. It aligns with the agency’s commitment to fostering innovation and leadership in space exploration.
The platform includes a marketplace offering advanced space-based applications, machine learning models, and advanced AI tools, facilitating user application without the need for programming codes. The platform will also host all UAE Space Agency-funded projects in earth observations, promoting applications developed by startups and entrepreneurs.
The Space Pavilion’s debut at COP28 showcased the UAE Space Agency’s commitment to sustainability under the theme ‘Space for Sustainability.’ The pavilion featured presentations and over 60 panel sessions focusing on satellite data, space technology, and initiatives addressing climate change challenges.
