ARTeMISat: Análisis de Recursos Terrestres y Marinos mediante el procesado de Imágenes de Satélites de alta resolución

Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad

2014-2016

Spain is the country with the greatest natural biodiversity of the European Union, with a protected area that reaches 27% of the total surface. In this context, environmental conservation is a key issue towards a green economy that recognizes the relevance of ecosystems to human development and welfare. Thus, the sustainability of our natural resources is not only a challenge but a necessity.

Aware of this reality and the potential of Earth observation from space, the European Parliament approved in 2013 the funding for Copernicus-GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) program. A true political milestone and a firm commitment of Europe for satellite remote sensing and the sustainable management of natural resources. Similarly, several recommendations in the document 'Space Research in Horizon 2020' highlight the importance of the exploitation of Earth observation satellite data and the development of new processing and analysis techniques.

In this context, the aim of ARTeMISat is the development of image processing techniques, applied to new satellites, particularly high spatial resolution and hyperspectral sensors, to obtain accurate and systematic information about areas related to the management of marine and terrestrial natural resources. Achieving this objective entails the generation of knowledge that is embodied in the development of reliable software tools for the analysis, conservation and management of terrestrial and coastal resources, in an automatic, continuous and economic way, and at the suitable spatial and spectral resolution for the phenomena under study.

In particular, advanced remote sensing image processing techniques will be developed that, for coastal marine resources, will allow to obtain validated water quality and seabed mapping products, with special emphasis on the detection and classification of seagrass meadows (Posidonia and Sebadales) of high environmental importance, and of different types of algae for their ecological and human consumption values or for the production of bioenergy and bioproducts. In addition, an innovative coastal bathymetry product, at high spatial resolution, will be developed. Similarly, in the field of the protection of land resources, products for the monitoring and control of endemic and exotic plant species will be obtained, as well as for the management of forest resources and the impact assessment after fires.

In summary, this project involves the generation of scientific and technological knowledge that will mean a major breakthrough in solving one of the great social challenges identified at National an European (H2020) level. The project is structured from two main pillars: the R+D of excellence, thanks to the consolidation of a research team with experience and international recognition; and the multidisciplinary approach necessary to successfully face the real challenges, by involving engineers, biologists, geographers, oceanographers, chemists, etc. This model, along with the applicability of remote sensing to any region of the planet, gives the project a huge potential and a strong international vocation.