Skytec Expands Service Offerings through SAR Technology

Asset monitoring doesn't wait for sunny days and blue skies. With synthetic aperture radar on the horizon, Skytec will be able to deliver satellite imagery and data in all weather environments.

Skytec anticipates adding synthetic aperture radar among its high-resolution imagery to deliver valuable data to clients. SAR is synthetic aperture radar, a type of data collection where an active radar sensor transmits electromagnetic waves and records the reflected waves.

A SAR sensor sends electromagnetic waves to the earth’s surface and captures the reflected signal, or measured backscatter. A SAR sensor can operate day or night, independent of the sun, according to Esri. The 2D image is a rendering of the backscatter. The result is real-time visibility with high-resolution SAR data, enabling clients to make more informed decisions with all-weather intelligence and monitoring at their fingertips.

When paired with geospatial imagery that Skytec provides through its existing partnerships, SAR data can fill in any gaps created by poor weather conditions and also provide information about the earth’s surface, including roughness, density, and moisture content.

Compared to images collected through an optical sensor, SAR captures data in all weather environments, not limited by cloud cover or daylight. That means clients can gain access to images collected 24/7 regardless of atmospheric conditions, delivering high-resolution data sets for a variety of applications.

“Traditionally it’s been challenging to get this data into a usable form,” says Andy Carroll, CTO and cofounder of Skytec. “Since the commercialization of satellite imagery, and now with the addition of SAR, Skytec is building usable innovations with these data sets for monitoring and change detection.”

Using SAR data, Skytec has the ability to present use cases for emergency response, evaluating forestry needs and impacts, and beyond.

“Soon with SAR, we can deliver imaging of a location day or night that doesn’t require daylight,” says Bill Rogers, CEO and co-founder of Skytec. “Clients won’t have to wait for daylight or atmospheric conditions to change to get images.”

What This Means at Skytec

Adding SAR to available imaging options is just one representation of how Skytec leaders stay on the cutting edge of the latest technology, coordinating imaging services and data analysis into Ranger, Skytec’s accessible platform for change detection and monitoring. Skytec manages multiple vendor relationships to deliver clients access to dynamic imaging and expertise in the latest geospatial technologies. Skytec leaders champion early adoption of usable, relevant data for commercial purposes, such as SAR.

“We were ahead of the curve as we developed our UAS service offerings, and now we’re just getting going with satellite imagery, SAR, and our dynamic Ranger change-detection software and monitoring platform,” Rogers says. “Access to SAR data will complement our current service offerings so clients can gather the most complete monitoring capabilities through Skytec. As data companies mature and new offerings come online, we’re able to offer clients access to the latest technologies and help them accomplish almost any task.”

 

Get started with Skytec’s Ranger platform here.

Images: © ESA 2023 - Image is a Dual Pole High-Resolution SAR image showing the Tennessee River, Sequatchie Valley, and South Cumberland Plateau. Marion County, TN. Image acquired January 4, 2023