How Does Satellite Imagery and Laser Technology Fit Into the Energy Picture?

Many people do not know that satellite imagery and laser technologies can play a major role in the development and operation of energy infrastructure. These technologies can capture large quantities of data suitable for constructing 3D models of plant infrastructure, monitoring vegetation and possible leakage as well as providing information suitable for topographic analysis – slopes and elevations of the landscape.

Whether a pipeline is being constructed, solar panels are being oriented and situated or wind establishments are being initiated, satellite imagery and laser technologies play a significant role. In fact, the production of agricultural crops for bioenergy and the monitoring of wave activity can all be obtained through these innovative technologies.

Today, there is a growing presence of satellites surrounding the planet. These satellites are owned and operated by both private industry and government related agencies. Whereas older satellites were reliable and some of them continue to operate, newer satellites are capable of providing higher resolution imagery, often below 10 meters and sometimes as low as 1 meter or better.

This capability has changed the picture for energy company’s considering the use of satellite imagery and related services. With higher resolution and increased frequency or re-visitation times, it is becoming much more practical to monitor and create useful information for energy planning and operations than previously.

Many companies realise the benefits that satellit eimagery provides and some of these advantages extend beyond the apparent picture within the image itself. For instance, most imagery can be further analysed to provide detailed interpretive information. Many people point to this characteristic as being the heart or value of imagery. Careful analysis and processing can provide 3D information about the terrain and other factors.

Laser instrumentation has great value for the energy industry and is used in many different ways. Those company’s operating gas plants and other infrastructure invariably find that those assets are not fully and efficiently managed. Laser technologies enable this infrastructure to be measured and objects to be determined. This has immense operational value since these objects can then be integrated with current and future planning, perhaps maintenance as well, into one stream lined and integrated system.

Essentially then the objective is to use new technologies like satellite imagery and laser technologies as a means to enable digital energy work flows that cut across planning, construction, operation and maintenance. High need for participation within regulatory frameworks and an increased need for sharing information means that these technologies can be used to enable communication initiatives too.

Keep an eye on these technologies. They are penetrating the energy industry in direct and indirect ways as energy is discussed from a broader context linking to ‘green’ plans and environmental factors at the same time.

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Jeff Thurston is editor at V1 Energy Magazine and V1 Magazine for Vector1 Media in Europe, Middle East and Africa. He is based in Berlin.