Constellr Land Surface Temperature: Transforming Earth Observation from Space

"Measuring temperature, water & carbon from space for better resource accountability"

Source: constellr.com

Service Overview

Constellr's Land Surface Temperature (LST) service involves using satellite-based thermal infrared data to monitor temperature changes on the Earth's surface with high precision. This technology provides accurate, science-grade temperature readings across vast areas, enabling daily monitoring at a resolution of up to 10 meters. The LST data is critical for understanding water use efficiency, especially in agriculture, where it helps optimize irrigation and improve crop yields.

The service delivers actionable insights for various industries, such as agriculture, where it can monitor soil moisture and help manage water resources more effectively. Additionally, the data can be applied in urban planning, industrial processes, and environmental monitoring, making it versatile for multiple sectors.

Key aspects

Constellr is developing a constellation of microsatellites equipped with advanced thermal infrared sensors to capture land surface temperatures with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. The company utilizes small, cost-effective satellites that can be deployed in larger numbers, enhancing coverage and data frequency.

The satellite network is designed to provide near-real-time data across the globe, enabling users to make timely decisions based on current land surface conditions. Their thermal infrared sensors are capable of detecting minute temperature variations on the Earth's surface, which is crucial for applications like precision agriculture. Constellr employs sophisticated algorithms and machine learning techniques to process the vast amounts of data collected, transforming it into actionable insights for users.

By delivering accurate thermal data, Constellr aims to support sustainable resource management and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

Measuring temperature provides:

• Insight into the dynamic of the carbon and water cycles from local to regional scale

• Anomalies information that relates to vegetation stress before yield is affected

• Timely information for stress mitigation as well as improved planning at the field level

• Insight on infrastructure and urban heat patterns

Source: constellr.com

Applications of Land Surface Temperature Data

Agriculture

• Irrigation Management: Providing precise land surface temperature data for agricultural areas. This technology enables the accurate monitoring of soil moisture levels and plant stress by detecting temperature variations across fields. Farmers can use these insights to optimize irrigation schedules, ensuring water is applied only where and when it's needed, thus conserving water resources and enhancing crop yields.

• Crop Health Monitoring: Providing detailed land surface temperature data that reflects plant physiological conditions. By detecting subtle temperature variations across agricultural fields, the technology can identify areas where crops are experiencing stress due to factors like pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, or water scarcity. This early detection enables farmers to take timely and targeted interventions, such as applying treatments or adjusting nutrient management, to mitigate issues before they impact yield.

Water Resource Management

• Drought Monitoring: Providing precise land surface temperature data that correlates with soil moisture levels. By detecting temperature anomalies indicative of drying soils and stressed vegetation, the technology enables early identification of emerging drought conditions across vast regions. This timely and detailed information allows farmers, water resource managers, and policymakers to implement proactive measures such as adjusting irrigation schedules, managing water allocations, and initiating conservation efforts.

• Flood Prediction: Thermal data can assist in modelling and predicting flood events by analyzing soil saturation levels. By detecting temperature anomalies indicative of saturated soils and areas with increased moisture, the technology enables early identification of regions at risk of flooding. This timely and detailed information allows hydrologists, meteorologists, and emergency management agencies to improve flood modelling and issue early warnings, facilitating proactive measures such as evacuations and infrastructure protection. With frequent and accurate thermal data, Constellr supports effective flood risk assessment and mitigation strategies, helping to minimize the adverse impacts of flooding on communities, economies, and ecosystems.

Environmental Monitoring

• Climate Change Research: High-resolution temperature data significantly enhances climate change research by providing precise and frequent land surface temperature data on a global scale. This detailed thermal information enables scientists to monitor temperature trends, detect anomalies, and analyze the effects of climate change on various ecosystems, including urban areas, forests, and agricultural lands. By offering insights into phenomena such as global warming, heatwaves, and shifting climate patterns, Constellr's data supports the development of more accurate climate models and contributes to a deeper understanding of the Earth's changing climate. This, in turn, informs policymakers and stakeholders in crafting effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.

• Urban Heat Islands: Cities can use this data to understand and mitigate the impact of urban heat islands on local climates, allowing urban planners to implement effective cooling strategies such as increasing green spaces or optimizing building materials. Additionally, Constellr's data aids in improving energy efficiency by highlighting areas with poor insulation or overheating infrastructure, thus guiding retrofitting and maintenance efforts. By offering precise and frequent thermal insights, Constellr supports cities in addressing challenges related to climate change adaptation, public health, and sustainable urban development, ultimately contributing to more livable and resilient urban environments.

Disaster Management

• Wildfire Detection: Early identification of hotspots indicative of fire activity. By detecting thermal anomalies associated with the early stages of wildfires, the technology enables rapid identification of fire outbreaks across vast and remote areas. This timely and detailed information allows firefighting agencies and emergency responders to initiate swift interventions, potentially containing fires before they escalate.

Partnerships and Collaborations

1. European Space Agency (ESA): Constellr has been awarded contracts from the ESA and the European Commission to provide thermal data that complements Earth observations from the Copernicus program. These partnerships highlight the value of their data for environmental monitoring and climate-related projects​

2. ScanWorld Acquisition: In 2022, Constellr acquired ScanWorld, a Belgian hyperspectral satellite imagery startup. This acquisition expands Constellr’s ability to offer combined hyperspectral and thermal data, enhancing their services for agriculture, forestry, and other sectors.

3. Cloudeo: Constellr formed a partnership with Cloudeo to make their high-resolution thermal infrared data available through Cloudeo's marketplace. This collaboration enhances Cloudeo's Geo-Insurance product with Constellr's temperature monitoring capabilities.

4. NanoAvionics: NanoAvionics is supplying Constellr with two satellites to help develop the world's first scalable water stress monitoring system for agriculture.

Pricing

Pricing for satellite data services like those offered by Constellr often depends on various factors, including:

• Data Specifications: Resolution, frequency of updates, and the geographical area covered.

• Service Level: Raw data provision versus processed data with analytics and insights.

• Customization: Tailored solutions to meet specific industry or organizational needs.

• Licensing and Usage Rights: Terms governing how the data can be used, shared, or integrated into other platforms.

Given that pricing can be highly customized based on a client's specific requirements, it's common for companies like Constellr to provide quotes on a case-by-case basis.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, I recommend reaching out directly to Constellr through their official website or contacting their sales or customer service team. They can provide detailed information and discuss tailored solutions that fit your specific needs.