Planet Satellite Data + AI Enables the Kingdom of Bahrain to Manage Smart Cities 

We are excited to share that our SkySat data has been leveraged by the government of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB), to enhance urban planning initiatives nationwide. In collaboration with Planet, our partner Aetosky (formerly known as SkyMap Global) has implemented an advanced urban planning system. This turnkey solution integrates AI-enabled change detection technology with our high-resolution satellite imagery, exemplifying a sophisticated approach to modern urban management. 

Leveraging our SkySat 50 cm satellite imagery, Aetosky has enabled government authorities in the Kingdom of Bahrain to deploy this comprehensive urban planning system, covering 850 sq kilometers. This sophisticated system integrates Planet’s high-resolution satellite data with Aetosky’s advanced Change Detection Analysis capabilities to monitor and categorize various changes in the region, including modifications to existing buildings, rooftop alterations, vegetation shifts, and water changes. This innovative approach has led to an increase in effectiveness of building permit validation activities by the municipalities, highlighting the system’s significant impact on efficient urban management and planning.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain is making remarkably innovative strides in enabling smart city planning by leveraging cutting-edge satellite data and AI,” said Will Marshall, Planet CEO and co-founder. “This project has demonstrated how governments can embrace smart change detection systems to automate their projects, saving time and resources. We look forward to helping countries across the world to follow suit.”

The government of the Kingdom of Bahrain now receives regular biweekly updates, facilitating the tracking and analysis of developments, infrastructure changes, and environmental alterations, such as urban greenspaces and coastline activities. The new system, powered with Planet’s data, incorporates proprietary data cube technology, enabling the cataloging and management of spatial-temporal datasets. This technology empowers the SLRB to automatically extract and analyze changes across the entire country, significantly reducing monitoring time, identifying new activities on a national scale, and directing resources more cost-effectively.

“This advanced technology marks a significant leap forward, further enhancing our ability to track and manage construction and environmental changes across the Kingdom of Bahrain, with unprecedented efficiency, speed and accuracy. This, in turn, feeds into the development of the country’s smart cities, sustainable agricultural practices, and proactive environmental protection,” stated H.E Eng. Basim Yacob Alhamer, President of the Survey and Land Registration Bureau. “This collaboration epitomizes the Kingdom of Bahrain’s dedication to harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology to propel our nation towards a future defined by sustainable development and intelligent urban planning.”

The implementation of change detection using satellite data in the Kingdom of Bahrain is a significant advancement for smart city planning. By tracking and categorizing changes in urban development, infrastructure, and vegetation, the system provides essential data for urban planners and policymakers. This supports informed decision-making, promoting sustainable growth, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing city functionality. The initiative aligns with smart city principles, contributing to more efficient, resilient, and environmentally friendly urban spaces.

With access to our bi-weekly satellite data, analysis-ready time series data management solutions, and AI-enhanced Change Detection Analysis, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s SLRB now serves as a centralized data hub. This hub supports various government departments. Leveraging Planet’s satellite imagery, this collaborative approach addresses environmental monitoring, transportation, and municipal response throughout the region.