GPS World

Tag: Airbus Defence and Space

  • DHI Uses Airbus Satellite Images to Map Denmark Flooding

    Water management company DHI used satellites to map Jan. 11-13 floods in Denmark.

    On the weekend of Jan. 9-11, two storms passed over Denmark. During and after the storm flood warnings were issued in different areas of the country. To monitor and map the spatial extent of the flooding DHI GRAS asked Airbus Defence and Space to acquire TerraSAR-X satellite images over the areas. DHI then analyzed and mapped the flooded area.

    The main advantage of using radar satellites like TerraSAR-X is the ability to acquire images independent of weather and light conditions, DHI said. It is possible to get an image of the actual conditions on the ground even during harsh winds (up to 35 to 40 meters per second in this case), massive clouds and rain, and during the night.

    The illustration below shows parts of the flooded area around Limfjorden in Northern Jutland, Denmark. On the background radar satellite image the water is black while land area appears in white and grey tones. The light blue overlay indicates flooded areas.

    The images were acquired over various parts of Denmark. By preparing and reacting to future and similar early warnings of flooding and storm events, it is possible to plan for new images to be acquired during the maximum extent of the water level.

    Egon-Oversvommelse-Limfjorden-Resized

  • Airbus, Exelis Partner to Provide ENVI Users Integrated Access to Imagery and Services

    Airbus Defence and Space and Exelis are teaming up to provide users of ENVI image analysis software a limited-time voucher offer for new imagery as well as easy access to the Airbus Defence and Space imagery archive through an application programming interface (API) plug-in integrated within Exelis’ ENVI software. The partnership between Airbus Defence and Space and Exelis helps to expand the network that makes imagery easily accessible to GIS users, the companies said.

    The voucher program will offer a specific amount of Airbus Defence and Space imagery free of charge with any new ENVI license purchase, starting October 1, 2014. ENVI combines advanced spectral image processing and geospatial analysis technology with a modern, user-friendly interface. ENVI users will be able to integrate the Airbus Defence and Space imagery they receive through this program seamlessly into the ENVI software for use in applications such as feature extraction, change detection analysis, target identification, and more.

    The partnership has enabled Exelis and Airbus Defence and Space to develop and integrate an extension in ENVI software that directly connects to the Airbus Defence and Space imagery archive via an API. This allows ENVI users the opportunity to search and discover the Geo-Intelligence imagery archive directly within their ENVI environment. Users will have access to a full range of fresh optical and radar imagery including 1.5m SPOT 6 and SPOT 7 and 50cm Pléiades data.

    “This agreement between Airbus Defence and Space and Exelis gives ENVI users easy access to a full range of fresh optical and radar imagery, providing them with more accurate results for their projects and helping them make better decisions,” said Bernhard Brenner, head of the Geo-Intelligence programme line of Airbus Defence and Space. “We are excited to see new opportunities developing with this growing partnership.”

    “This integrated approach modernizes the way that people will discover data and access new imagery in conjunction with their existing imagery or GIS layers,” said Stuart Blundell, general manager at Exelis Visual Information Solutions. “By letting ENVI users easily identify and geo-locate thumbnail previews of available imagery within an area of interest without leaving the ENVI environment, our customers will save time and make better decisions in mission and project planning and execution.”

    The voucher program will be available to new ENVI users as of October 1, and soon after all ENVI users will be able to search and discover the Airbus Defence and Space imagery archive.