South Australian Government commits $500,000 to environmental monitoring

The South Australian Government has allocated $500,000 in funding through the SmartSat CRC to support two research projects focused on enhancing environmental monitoring of the Earth. The aim of these projects is to utilize space data and artificial intelligence, in conjunction with data captured by the South Australian-built satellite called Kanyini, to improve thermal sensing and biodiversity mapping.

SmartSat CRC, which is leading the Kanyini mission and will guide the two projects, plans to launch Kanyini onboard the SpaceX Transporter 11 in July. One of the projects will utilize Kanyini's thermal imagery and AI-based analytics to provide a more up-to-date understanding of surface temperatures in Adelaide and regional areas of South Australia. The goal is to assess how temperature affects the inhabitants and enable adaptive planning and responses to heatwaves, as well as refine infrastructure planning and mitigation strategies. This initiative also aims to boost community resilience during extreme heat events and attract investment in greening efforts.

The second project, in collaboration with the Department for Environment and Water and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA), will test Kanyini's capabilities to improve understanding of land-use. The enhanced data obtained from Kanyini's hyperspectral imagery, combined with AI-based analytics, could be used to monitor changes in native vegetation cover, crop health, and land-use. The project will specifically focus on Kangaroo Island and South Australia's northern pastoral region to gain insights into native vegetation communities and key species important for carbon sequestration.

The CEO of SmartSat CRC, Professor Andy Koronios, highlighted the significance of the Kanyini mission, stating that it allows the capture of tailored images for specific applications, unlike relying on images from foreign satellites. Leveraging advanced data analytics, these images can be transformed into actionable intelligence for state government departments to benefit the people of South Australia.

Overall, this funding commitment by the South Australian Government for space-based environmental monitoring demonstrates their efforts to utilize satellite data and AI technology in addressing environmental challenges, improving planning strategies, and enhancing the resilience and well-being of the community.

Original article: https://www.spatialsource.com.au/500000-for-space-based-environmental-monitoring/