Satellites to boost Scotland’s ‘long-term resilience’ to environmental crises

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has launched a new satellite service to “revolutionise” Scotland’s handling of environmental crises.

The system, named Satellite Emergency Mapping Service (SEMS), is expected to enhance Scotland’s resilience against environmental disasters spanning from floods and wildfires to landslide and oil spills.

SEMS is set to “save lives”, and “protect crucial infrastructure”, according to Claire Neil, Principal Scientist at SEPA.

It is understood, the technology will turbo-charge crisis preparedness, with satellite data allowing experts to model potential scenarios, to develop more effective response strategies.

It will also allow responders to evaluate hazards in areas where weather can make ground assessment impossible and better prioritise areas for intevention.

Neil said: "The ability to access stable, consistent, near real-time data from space adds an unprecedented layer of precision to our efforts in managing environmental risks. The technology’s potential for both immediate crisis management and long-term planning is immense. We look forward to working with our partners, in what is a cost-effective service for the public sector for safeguarding our environment and our communities."

SEMS will use cutting-edge satellite imaging technology to deliver live data to better equip emergency responders to act faster and more efficiently.

Stirling University will provide the methods needed to analyse the data, which will be available to emergency responders on a 24/7 basis.

The new service forms part of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters, a global network of over 270 satellites from 17 charter members across the world, one of which is the UK Space Agency (UKSA).

It is claimed,  SEPA’s initiative is a "significant milestone" for Scotland, helping to position it as a leader in environmental protection and space technology.

Sarah-Jane Gill, chief of staff at UKSA, said: "For the UKSA, the development and launch of SEMS is a perfect example of how space technology can be used for disaster risk reduction and to support public services. There are several international tools for satellite data, mapping and analysis in emergencies, but it is when these tools are integrated into operational services like SEPA has done with SEMS, that they become most powerful. 

"Scotland has a fast-growing space sector that is key to the UK’s overall ambitions. As SEPA are demonstrating, innovations in this sector can help address environmental and climate challenges, safeguard communities and infrastructure, and benefit citizens across the country."

SEPA unveiled the new service at the Space-Comm Expo in Glasgow, where international leaders and industry experts have gathered to discuss the commercialisation of the space sector.

 It comes a week after the UK Government announced the first UK-wide network to focus on understanding the impact of extreme weather conditions across the country.

The £40m network will combine the latest technology with a “huge” databank to better predict where floods and droughts will strike.