Synspective and Japan’s National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management Begin Joint Research on Fire Damage Detection Using Small SAR Satellites

Synspective Inc., a provider of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite data and analytics solutions, announced that it has signed a joint research agreement with the National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management (NILIM) of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to develop fire damage detection technology using small SAR satellites.

The research will combine observation data and analytics from Synspective’s StriX small SAR satellites with NILIM’s fire science research and its expertise in field surveys and damage analysis following large-scale fires.

Background

In recent years, large-scale urban fires and wildfires have occurred in Japan and around the world, increasing the need for technologies that can quickly and accurately assess damage across wide areas. During a fire, smoke and nighttime darkness can make it difficult to assess ground conditions using optical satellites or drones. SAR satellites, which observe the Earth’s surface using microwaves, can capture imagery day or night and in any weather, and are therefore expected to play an important role in assessing the situation immediately after a disaster.

Overview of the Joint Research

Specifically, the research will analyze how SAR observations of past large-scale fires correspond to recorded damage and field survey findings, and examine methods to accurately identify fire-induced changes to the ground surface and structures. By also leveraging data characteristics from Synspective’s and iQPS’s satellite systems, the research aims to establish technologies that support rapid damage assessment and mapping of affected areas.

NILIM has also signed a separate joint research agreement with iQPS Inc.