Our technology development project as a partner organization was selected for the “Overseas Demonstration of Satellite Data Application Systems (Feasibility Study),” a technology development theme for which the Space Strategic Fund is soliciting applications from the public.

Gaia Vision Inc. has been selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for the “Satellite Data Application System Overseas Demonstration (Feasibility Study)” *2, one of the themes of the FY2024 Space Strategy Fund *1. The representative organization is Pacific Consultants Co., Ltd. to conduct a feasibility study of a satellite data application system overseas*2.

The adopted technology development project, “Demonstration of an Information Provision Service for Immediate 3D Analysis of Global Flood Damage Using Satellite Data,” will develop a 3D analysis and evaluation system for global flood damage by integrating spatial and hydraulic analysis in order to respond to the floods that have been occurring frequently in many parts of the world in recent years. The aim is to develop a service that enables rapid, accurate, remote and off-site estimation and understanding of the damage situation, including inundation conditions, the number of people and houses affected, the amount of damage, and the causes of damage, at the initial stage of a disaster, and to support proposals for necessary restoration and reconstruction measures.

*1For more information about the Space Strategic Fund, please visit the official website
https://fund.jaxa.jp

*2Technology Development Theme Satellite Data Application System Overseas Verification (Feasibility Study)”
https://fund.jaxa.jp/techlist/theme19

■Objectives of Technology Development

In order to cope with the frequent flooding in various parts of the world, we will develop a global 3D analysis and evaluation system for flood damage by integrating spatial and hydrological analysis. Currently, the extent of inundation is provided by various companies and institutions through satellite image analysis. On the other hand, it is difficult to quickly obtain information on the damage situation, such as the number of people and houses affected by the disaster, and the causes of the damage, due to damage to communication, transportation, and other infrastructures. Therefore, we aim to develop a service that enables rapid, accurate, and remote/off-site estimation and understanding of the damage situation, including flooding, the number of people and houses affected, the amount of damage, and the causes of damage, at the initial stage of a disaster, and to support proposals for necessary restoration/reconstruction measures.

■Expected Effects

Although there are other services that analyze and provide information on damage based on satellite data, etc., there are few examples of services that analyze the damage situation and factors of damage, and utilize this information for post-disaster restoration and reconstruction projects. The features of this service are (1) it covers the entire globe, (2) it provides results quickly, within 1-2 weeks, and (3) it can analyze not only the inundation situation, but also the damage situation and disaster factors. The ability to identify not only the inundation and flooding situation but also the damage situation and the factors of damage at the initial stage of a disaster makes it possible to support administrative agencies and others in proposing necessary restoration and recovery measures, etc. In addition, it will also contribute to the restoration and early resumption of business by infrastructure operators (e.g., railroads) and business operators (e.g., factories) in the flooded area.

■Future prospect

We have been addressing climate change and flood countermeasures implemented by corporations and local governments through simulations and software. By adding new value to our solutions through this technological development, we will take this opportunity to expand our services to the world, and aim to provide more support to our customers to improve their sustainability and resilience.