U.S. Firm Offers Ultra-High Resolution Earth Images

A Brooklyn-based Earth-observing company called Near Space Labs is making images of the US available at an ultra-high, 10-centimeter resolution for commercial use beginning this week, Andrew Freedman reported for Axios.

Photo Insert: A satellite image captured by Near Space Labs

The new optical imagery has many uses relevant to climate and energy interests. Energy companies can monitor their operations, including pipelines and other infrastructure.

The insurance industry can use it to conduct quick damage assessments after extreme weather and climate events. First responders can track floods and wildfires. Environmental groups can keep tabs on environmental threats such as habitat destruction, or watch over industrial operations.

Near Space Labs is the only company that offers imagery this detailed on the commercial market right now, Freedman stressed.

One other company, Albedo, is planning to offer imagery at this resolution via satellites in 2023 or 2024. (Most satellites whose imagery is commonly shared in the media, for example, have 30-cm resolution.) In images with the new, higher resolution, one can pick out a soccer ball in a field.

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