Canadian companies cover new ground with Earth-observation technology

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Earth observation is the process of gathering data about the Earth’s physical, chemical and biological systems using satellites, as well as detecting radiation across wavelengths not visible to the human eye

. First used by governments and a handful of corporate giants in the 1960s, provided by companies such as MDA Ltd., satellite technology is now ubiquitous through apps such as Google Maps.

Yet experts say there are risks with this level of observation. They raise concerns about surveillance, disinformation and unethical business practices that could stem from near-unfettered access to knowledge of the Earth on an inch-by-inch basis. GeoSapiens Inc., based in Quebec City, creates predictive flood maps and models to assess risk and damage, taking into consideration buildings and infrastructure and the road network. The company’s main customers are insurance companies and municipalities, but it is also used by real estate companies, land surveyors and disaster specialists, said Hachem Agili CEO, the company’s co-founder.

Among EarthDaily Analytics’s key potential customers are commodity brokers, who can use the information to model the volume and future price of agricultural products such as wheat.

 

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