EarthSat

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EarthSat is a private Earth observation and geospatial analytics company that specializes in providing satellite imagery and data analysis services. Founded in 1969, the company has played a significant role in the development and application of remote sensing technologies for various industries and government agencies. Their clients include such varied industries as energy, food, retail, banking, and government. 
== History ==
EarthSat, originally known as Earth Satellite Corporation, was established in 1969 by Dr. Paul Lowman, a geologist who had worked at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The company was founded with the goal of applying space technology to Earth resource management and environmental monitoring.
As the primary weather index provider for the weather derivatives industry, CME Group weather products and many of the OTC weather products are based on EarthSat's weather index. A major value of EarthSat is they supply daily heating degree days and cooling degree days indices each morning and multiple updated forecasts that help drive daily volume. 
== Services and Products ==
EarthSat offers a wide range of products and services, including:
# Satellite Imagery: The company provides high-resolution satellite imagery for various applications, including agriculture, forestry, urban planning, and disaster response.
# Geospatial Analysis: EarthSat's team of experts analyzes satellite data to provide insights on land use, crop health, environmental changes, and other Earth observation applications.
# Custom Mapping: The company creates specialized maps and geographical information system (GIS) products for clients in various industries.
# Environmental Monitoring: EarthSat's services include tracking deforestation, monitoring air and water quality, and assessing the impact of natural disasters.
# Agricultural Intelligence: The company provides farmers and agribusinesses with crop yield forecasts, soil moisture analysis, and other agriculture-related data products.
== Notable Projects ==
Throughout its history, EarthSat has been involved in several significant projects:
# Global Land Cover Characterization: In the 1990s, EarthSat collaborated with the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to create the first global land cover database derived from satellite imagery.
# Crop Monitoring: The company has worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide crop condition assessments and yield forecasts for major agricultural regions worldwide.
# Disaster Response: EarthSat has provided rapid response imagery and analysis for numerous natural disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires.
== Technology ==
EarthSat utilizes a variety of satellite platforms and sensors to collect Earth observation data, including:
Optical sensors for high-resolution imagery
* Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for all-weather imaging capabilities
* Hyperspectral sensors for detailed spectral analysis
* The company also employs advanced data processing and machine learning algorithms to extract valuable information from raw satellite data.
== Industry Impact ==
EarthSat's contributions to the field of Earth observation have had a significant impact on various industries:
* Agriculture: The company's crop monitoring services have helped improve agricultural productivity and resource management.
* Environmental Conservation: EarthSat's deforestation monitoring capabilities have supported global efforts to protect forests and biodiversity.
* Urban Planning: High-resolution imagery and analysis from EarthSat have aided in urban development and infrastructure planning.
* Energy Sector: The company's services have been used for pipeline monitoring, site selection for renewable energy projects, and oil and gas exploration.
== Acquisitions and Partnerships ==
In 2001, EarthSat was acquired by MDA Ltd., a Canadian space technology company. This acquisition expanded EarthSat's capabilities and global reach. The company has also formed partnerships with various government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector organizations to advance Earth observation technologies and applications.
== References ==
Category:Weather