Datel AS has signed an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop elevation models based on remote sensing radar data from space. The project aims to create accurate and up-to-date digital surface models that can be utilised in a variety of applications, from environmental monitoring to infrastructure planning. The Estonian University of Life Sciences will partner on the research, conducting drone measurements to validate the models.
“Current global elevation models are often too low in resolution and accuracy to support detailed local surveys. Moreover, they do not provide up-to-date information about topography and 3D objects,” explained Tõnis Oja, Datel’s spatial data services specialist.
“Our goal is to generate accurate and contemporary digital surface models from radar-based remote sensing data. At present, data from over a hundred satellites operated by around ten private companies are available, which we plan to utilise during the project. We will also incorporate the national LiDAR dataset, although it is no longer very recent.” Researchers from the Estonian University of Life Sciences are conducting drone measurements alongside to validate the accuracy of the radar-derived elevation models.
“This project marks an important step forward in the practical application of radar data for creating elevation models,” noted Madis Võõras, Head of the Estonian Space Agency.
“Datel’s previous experience in employing space data and developing services for the European Earth observation programme Copernicus provides a solid foundation for this initiative. It is also encouraging to see close cooperation between companies and universities in Estonia advancing space technology applications to new heights.”
Datel has previously developed several internationally utilised solutions based on space data, including an early warning system capable of detecting displacement or subsidence of large infrastructure—such as bridges, pipelines, ports, mines, and large buildings—with an accuracy of up to 1 millimetre.