“Satellite imagery and machine learning can help measure socio-economic conditions in places where other measurements are insufficient.”
But often, imaging satellites are built to capture information on narrow topics such as supplies of freshwater.
The data doesnt arrive as neat, orderly images, like snapshots.
Image Makers / Getty Images
Satellite imagery and machine learning can help measure socio-economic conditions in places where other measurements are insufficient.
Storing so many terabytes of data is costly.
Distilling the data layers embedded in the images requires additional computing power and human experts to decipher it.
Satellite Earth Art / Getty Images
The research paper shows how MOSAIKS could replicate with minimal investment costly reports prepared by the US Census Bureau.
Help From Above
Satellite data is already key to development projects.
“Several developing nations are fusing emerging technology (AI, automation, cloud, etc.)
with satellite data to help accelerate national infrastructure projects,” he added.
Soil moisture readings can aid early warnings for droughts and wildfires, even in remote areas.
“That is because environmental conditions can impact transmission,” he added.
The recent invention of MOSAIKS could bring the benefits of satellite data to more people.
