This research services covers key technology trends in the remote sensing domain. It analyzes the key technologies that are being deployed for remote sensing applications, and assesses their future potential taking into consideration the various growth factors in this sector. The report assesses the potential of applicability of hyperspectral imaging, an emerging remote sensing technique for various applications.

Most of the developments and technology breakthroughs in the remote sensing have their origin in military projects and applications. The Earth observation sector is being recognized as a leader in the development, deployment and integration of science and technology into policy and decision-making by industry and other stakeholders.

An entire fleet of remote sensing satellites are constantly circling the Earth and sending a steady stream of observations about the environment down to Earth. The imagery thus collected has several applications in mapping land-use and cover, agriculture, soils mapping, forestry, city planning, archaeological investigations, military observation, and geomorphologic surveying. For instance, foresters use aerial photographs for preparing forest cover maps, locating possible access roads, and measuring quantities of trees harvested.

The use of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) for the collection of high quality 3D urban data has increased tremendously. While urban models are already available for a large number of cities from aerial data like stereo images or airborne LIDAR, TLS is especially useful for accurate three-dimensional mapping of other man-made structures like road details, urban furniture or vegetation.

In today’s commercial and defense imaging environment, the use and demand for LiDAR is increasing on a daily basis. In 2011, users will not only have access to digital elevation maps, but also 3-D battlespace characterization, intelligence and situational awareness. LiDAR is also key to damage assessment and re construction in post-disaster environments. LiDAR’s change detection capability enables decision-makers to understand the most severely affected areas of a disaster, thereby allowing effective personnel deployment.

Over the next 10 years, as use of satellite-based imagery spreads, international cooperation on civil programs will intensify. A further significant development expected over the next 10 years corresponds to the growth in turnover associated with services.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary

Scope and Methodology
Scope of Research
Research Methodology

Research Overview
Research Snapshot
Key Findings

Technology Snapshot and Trends

Technology Capability
Technology Snapshot
SWOT Analysis
Applications

Technology Maturity
Technology Readiness Levels

Key Stakeholder Analysis and Technology Benchmarking

Stakeholder Analysis
Drivers and Challenges
Stakeholder Management Process

Analytical Hierarchy Process
Technology Roadmap
Technology Management Strategies