What opportunities does satellite data offer your organization? Where can you find the right data? And who can you contact for information or to collaborate on a new satellite application? The Netherlands Space Agency is happy to help you get started.

If you’d like to get started yourself, a key question is: what data exactly do you need? Earth observation satellites use different types of measuring instruments, each of which produces unique data. Some examples:

Optical

Images in visible light, but also UV and near-infrared. Optical satellite data show how we organize our living environment, they provide insight into water quality, and are used by emergency services in the aftermath of natural disasters. They also help map vegetation and can play a role in surveillance and enforcement.

Radar

Radar data shows ground movement and plays a role in the maintenance of our infrastructure. They also measure the roughness of the earth’s surface and are used to detect oil spills, monitor agricultural crops, and by emergency services during floods.

Thermal infrared

Measures heat radiation. This Earth observation data shows the health of crops. It helps map urban heat islands, measure sea temperature, and help prevent forest fires

Hyperspectral

Unique data from sensors that measure reflected light at specific wavelengths. The data makes air pollution, ozone, and aerosols visible. They are important for mining and useful in water management, agriculture, and nature conservation.

LiDAR

Height measurements taken with a laser instrument. They are used to determine ice sheet melt, conduct climate research, and form the basis for global elevation measurements.

Finding Satellite Data

Satellite data is offered through data portals. There’s a difference between open data, which is freely accessible to everyone, and commercial data, which you can purchase from various companies. One of the most important sources for open, raw Earth observation data is the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem . Copernicus also offers thematic services with ready-to-use information products on land, water, atmosphere, climate, disasters, and security. A portal for all available information products from the Copernicus services is also available, called WEkEO. Are you looking for free, high-resolution satellite data of the Netherlands? Then the Dutch government’s Satellite Data Portal is a good starting point.

Developing New Applications Together

The Netherlands Space Agency connects parties that want to develop and implement satellite applications. We share knowledge and experience through the open GEO Netherlands network and finance innovation through programs like the Innovation Impact Challenge. Would you like to take the next step and use satellite data? Then please contact us.