Aimed at making remote sensing analysis accessible for all, Aurora helps remote sensing user groups access, interpret, and leverage EO data, Pixxel said, in a statement.
Developed in-house, it features a vast archive of open-source and commercial remote sensing datasets from multiple modalities, including the anticipated integration of Pixxel’s hyperspectral imagery by the end of 2024.
The platform also offers a marketplace of ready-to-use models and indices in a no-code environment, enabling users to visualise and compare different satellite imagery, customise workflows, and quickly implement analytical models.
Awais Ahmed, chief executive of Pixxel, in a statement, said, “Aurora is designed to remove barriers to entry in Earth observation analysis. Our focus has been on creating a platform that allows users to get insights faster without wasting time figuring out complex data processing steps. After nearly a year of beta testing and valuable feedback from our early customers, we’re excited to unveil this to the public now.”
It will enable organisations in agriculture, forestry, mining, climate technology and energy to use Earth observation data for their specific needs and integrate it easily into their core operations, he said.
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Indices on the platform include the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for assessing vegetation health and monitoring crop rotation patterns, the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) for estimating water surface area and monitoring flood impacts, and the Oil Spill Index (OSI) for detecting and monitoring oil spills on water surfaces, crucial for effective pollution and hazard mitigation.It offers various models on its marketplace, catering to various industries. These include the Forest Above-Ground Biomass Model, which monitors forest health and carbon stocks, and the Water Quality Index Model, which evaluates water quality. The Crop Bio-parameters Model is designed for precision agriculture, providing insights into crop health. Additionally, the Change Detection Model analyses temporal changes to track land use changes, deforestation, disaster impacts, and urban development, producing visual difference maps and quantifying changes over time.
It delivers accurate and relevant data for compliance and business requirements, the company said. It meets diverse needs across industries and use cases, Pixxel said.
Future updates to Aurora will enhance its capabilities by enabling data fusion across expansive Areas of Interest (AOIs). This will allow users to combine hyperspectral data with other Earth observation datasets and upload ground truth data, offering a more comprehensive analysis, Pixxel said.
Pixxel is preparing to launch six commercial-grade hyperspectral satellites, known as ‘Fireflies’, this year.