EarthGuard – Satellite-Based Crisis Intelligence

EarthGuard: Satellite-Based Crisis Intelligence

Floods, low water, and other water-related hazards threaten communities, critical infrastructure, and water resources across Europe. Relevant information is often spread across different data sources, which makes it difficult to assess environmental changes and their potential impacts quickly and comprehensively.

EarthGuard aims to combine European satellite observations, hydrological measurement data, and spatial analyses in an interactive situational awareness platform.

The initial focus is on the Ruhr region. The project investigates how satellite-based flood detection, low-water monitoring, and the identification of potentially affected infrastructure can be linked.

By combining Earth observation data, on-site measurements, and geographic information, EarthGuard is intended to turn complex environmental data into understandable and spatially precise information for authorities, the water sector, and infrastructure operators.

The goal is to improve situation assessment, support risk evaluation, and identify areas where further investigation or action is required.

EarthGuard builds on European space infrastructure, in particular the European Union's Earth observation programme Copernicus.

Copernicus Sentinel-1: Radar satellite data can be used to map flooded areas and detect changes in water surfaces. Radar enables observations even through cloud cover and in darkness.

Copernicus Sentinel-2: Optical satellite imagery can complement the radar observations and provide information on land cover, vegetation, and environmental changes, provided suitable acquisitions are available.

Supplementary geodata: Hydrological measurements, digital elevation models, and infrastructure data can help to put satellite observations into context and to assess possible impacts on affected areas.

The added value of European space technology lies in the repeated, large-scale observation of environmental changes. Combined with ground-based data and spatial analyses, potentially affected areas and infrastructure can be identified in a more targeted way.

The project will examine the availability of suitable data, the required processing steps, and the validation of the results. Data sources, acquisition times, and uncertainties are to be presented transparently, so that preliminary analysis results are not mistaken for confirmed warnings.

Satellite-Based Monitoring for Resilient Water Management

EarthGuard aims to improve the monitoring and management of water resources using European space technology.

The project initially concentrates on three use cases:

1. Flood monitoring: Changes in water surfaces are to be detected from satellite observations. Spatial overlay with infrastructure data is intended to identify potentially affected roads and critical facilities.
2. Low-water monitoring: Changes in water surfaces are to be recorded over longer periods to obtain indications of unusually low water levels. Reliable warning levels require suitable hydrological reference data and verification against real measurements.
3. Assessment of water-related infrastructure hazards: Satellite observations, ground-based measurement data, and geographic information are to be combined to better assess risks to water-related infrastructure and adjacent areas.

The Ruhr region in Germany serves as the intended pilot area. The region combines dense population, extensive infrastructure, and complex requirements for water management.

EarthGuard is intended to improve situation assessment, support the prioritisation of inspections, and highlight areas where additional measurements or investigations are needed.

The platform is designed as a supplementary decision support system. It is not intended to replace official warning systems, hydrological models, or expert decisions in civil protection.

Team

Project Lead: Development Engineering and Systems Development

EarthGuard is currently a solo project led by a development engineer.

The focus is on developing the system concept, integrating relevant data sources, designing spatial analysis methods, and building a practical prototype for satellite-based environmental monitoring.

Additional expertise in Earth observation, geodata processing, hydrology, and user interface design would strengthen the project and help verify the developed methods against real data.

The aim is to develop an interdisciplinary solution that connects European space technology with the practical requirements of water management and civil protection.