Planet Satellite Imagery Brings Europe into Focus
As satellite imagery proves to be increasingly valuable across the globe, Planet continues to focus on Europe with timely event coverage and international partnerships, including ongoing projects in European countries across multiple vertical markets, as well as mapping with both commercial and government organizations.
In September 2019, Planet partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO) to provide high spatial and temporal resolution satellite imagery to support the national forest monitoring systems of eight tropical forested countries, successfully generating conservation applications within just a few months. Our data is currently being used by Copernicus Emergency Management Service, managed by the European Commission, to help provide emergency response mapping services for a variety of disaster situations, ranging from geophysical and meteorological hazards to humanitarian and man-made crises. We have also partnered with European geospatial companies such as GAF and IABG, as well as BASF, a precision agriculture company.
With our largest office outside of the U.S. based in Berlin, Planet has—and continues to—put down roots in Europe. Not only is the Berlin office home to nearly a quarter of the Planet workforce, but it is also Planet’s Mission Control Center. Our entire fleet of 150 satellites, as well as the applications and API that power Planet’s SkySat business, are controlled from Berlin, making Planet the city’s largest space player.
Additionally, we have ground stations throughout Europe which operate to ensure efficient satellite operations and the successful downlinking of imagery. Planet aims to facilitate the growth and development of the European space and geospatial industry through employment opportunities as well as research and exploration through shared, high-cadence data. With over 45 percent of our Dove satellite components sourced from the EU, primarily from EU SMEs, Planet loops these European enterprises into the supply chain, actively contributing to and strengthening the fast growing EU Space ecosystem.
As part of our commitment to Europe, tomorrow we’re hosting Planet Live EMEA, where Planet’s CEO Will Marshall and Earth observation programmes director of the European Space Agency (ESA) Josef Aschbacher will discuss the latest trends of the Earth observation (EO) industry in Europe. The 30 minute discussion will cover the role the industry plays in governments and civil society, exploring how the world has evolved during a pandemic and how EO can provide support in these challenging times. Register for Planet’s live virtual EMEA conference here.
Below, you’ll find some of Planet’s latest coverage of events in Europe, from Tesla’s new factory in Germany to the new F1 track in Tuscany. We encourage you to explore our image gallery to see the wide range of events we cover worldwide. (You can also find information on how to share our gallery imagery and provide proper attribution here).
Gallery Collection: Europe
SkySat imagery of the construction of Tesla’s Gigafactory 4, Brandenburg, Germany © 2020, Planet Labs Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The construction of Gigafactory 4 outside of Berlin marks Tesla’s first major production center in Europe. In a time series captured by Planet SkySats, it was possible to track the construction of the facility in sub-meter resolution. The existing pine plantations on the site were cleared away in February of 2020, and by late May, roads were visible on the site. The initial building foundations were laid in June, and by August, roofs began to appear on buildings. The facility is scheduled to begin production in late 2021.
Planet SkySat image of Tuscany, Italy on July 23, 2020 © 2020, Planet Labs Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of sporting events worldwide, including the first half of the 2020 Formula 1 calendar. As the pandemic eased in Europe, several events were scheduled on tracks not originally scheduled to hold an F1 race, including Mugello, which will host its first-ever Grand Prix on September 13, 2020.
Bus Operators form Caravan Protest
SkySat image of Berlin, Germany, May 27, 2020 © 2020, Planet Labs Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Bus operators drove through the streets of Berlin on May 27, 2020 to draw attention to their struggling industry and to protest a lack of government assistance. The bus operators drove their vehicles in front of government buildings and landmarks such as the Victory Column (pictured here), causing traffic jams.
Picnickers on the Esplanade des Invalides
SkySat image of Paris, France, May 6, 2020 © 2020, Planet Labs Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SkySat image of Paris, France on May 17, 2020 © 2020, Planet Labs Inc. All Rights Reserved.
After two months of sheltering in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, Parisians were eager to get outside and enjoy spring. These images show the Esplanade des Invalides on May 6 and May 17, 2020. Although not a direct comparison (weekday vs. weekend) the May 17 image shows well-spaced blankets spread across the grass and noticeably more traffic on major streets.
SkySat image of Genoa, Italy on December 28, 2019 © 2019, Planet Labs Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SkySat image of Genoa, Italy on May 4, 2020 © 2020, Planet Labs Inc. All Rights Reserved.
On August 14, 2018, the Morandi Bridge collapsed, severing a busy highway through central Genoa, Italy. Less than two years later its replacement was almost completed, lacking only a final layer of concrete and asphalt. These two SkySat images show the bridge before construction across the Polcevera Valley on December 28, 2019 and after construction on May 4, 2020.
Forest Fires near Chernobyl in Ukraine
PlanetScope image of Pripyat, Ukraine on April 9, 2020 © 2020, Planet Labs Inc. All Rights Reserved.
A wildfire burning in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, imaged by a Planet Dove on April 9, 2020.
PlanetScope image of Corinthia, Greece on Jul 24, 2020 © 2020, Planet Labs Inc. All Rights Reserved.
In a matter of days wildfire swept across the pine forest, olive groves and villages just south of Corinth, Greece. This PlanetScope image shows the smoke and burn scars from the fire on July 24, 2020.
Aircraft stored in Dusseldorf, Germany
PlanetScope image of Dusseldorf, Germany on March 12, 2020 © 2020, Planet Labs Inc. All Rights Reserved.
PlanetScope image of Dusseldorf, Germany on June 20, 2020 © 2020, Planet Labs Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The COVID-19 pandemic has grounded planes around the world. This sequence of PlanetScope images shows aircraft at Dusseldorf airport from March 12, 2020 (shortly before Germany shut down to combat the spread of the disease) until June 20, 2020. It appears many planes remain in storage, despite the gradual easing of travel restrictions in Europe.
To learn more about how Planet imagery is helping to track events and bring unique insights to Europe, register for Planet’s live virtual EMEA conference here. Hope to see you there!
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