The two images shown are taken by Landsat 8 satellite in the multispectral bands. The left image uses a combination of coastal blue, blue and green brand brands, and this provides more information on water bodies.

The right image shows a combination of near and shortwave infrared bands. This combination provides more information on vegetation and other terrestrial features. The two Landsat Satellites provided information at 8 day intervals.

© UniSC

The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is at the forefront of environmental intelligence with its groundbreaking Space to Sea - Accelerator project. This initiative, supported by the Queensland Government's Collaborative Projects program, helps to position the Sunshine Coast as a leader in geospatial technology.

What is Geospatial Technology?

Geospatial is the science of capturing, analysing, and utilising data tied to specific locations on Earth. The data includes geographic details including latitude and longitude, social and physical attributes, and spatial relationships.

High Tech Tools to unlock data

By leveraging a range of advanced tools including hyperspectral imaging from space satellites, drones, artificial intelligence (AI), ground-penetrating radar, fibre-optic distributed acoustic sensing, and remote sensing using lasers, the project will gather comprehensive environmental data, spanning the vastness of space to the depths of the ocean.

"As new satellites and technologies now provide more accurate data and imaging than ever before, the project will bring together world-class research expertise and industry knowledge to capitalise on the growing global demand for real-time geospatial intelligence."

Jasmine Vreugdenburg, Director Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UniSC

Developing sustainable solutions to real world problems through geo intelligence

Using this precious geospatial data provides crucial insights that can be harnessed to address a multitude of challenges. For example:

  • Safer communities: By meticulously monitoring weather patterns from space, the project aims to improve the accuracy of storm and flood predictions, allowing for more effective preparation and mitigation strategies.
  • Sustainable environmental management: The collected data can empower researchers to develop solutions to combat climate change and safeguard Queensland's iconic natural landscapes, helping to ensure a healthy and sustainable future.
  • Smarter and more adaptable cities: The project envisions the creation of intelligent transportation systems that dynamically adjust to population growth, alongside robust coastal management plans that preserve the Sunshine Coast's precious beaches.

Uniquely positioned for success

The Sunshine Coast is uniquely positioned to grow the emerging Geospatial industry through its access to key digital enabling infrastructure including: the Japan-Guam-Australia South (JGA-S) submarine cable providing the fastest east coast connection from Australia to Asia and the NEXTDC Sunshine Coast Data Centre (known as SC1) heralding a new era of connectivity, data capacity, speed and reliability for the region.

This digital infrastructure positions UniSC and its partners to enable optimum geospatial data analysis opportunities that can help protect its coastal location of wetlands, beaches and hinterlands that includes three of Australia's five UNESCO Biosphere Reserves that fall within its reach – Great Sandy, Sunshine Coast and Noosa.

This combination provides the perfect testing ground for developing innovative solutions while creating new highly skilled local jobs that foster sustainable development for Queensland and beyond.

Collaboration is key

By combining the expertise of UniSC’s Innovation team and Sunshine Coast Council, the project seeks to develop new social and commercial opportunities locally and nationally using geospatial technology. In addition, key research and industry partners will apply geospatial solutions to complex problems for ongoing growth in this emerging sector.

One small step - this is just the beginning

The Space to Sea - Accelerator project signifies a significant step towards a brighter future for Queensland. By harnessing the power of cutting-edge space technology, UniSC is poised to make a giant leap that leaves a lasting positive impact on our planet and paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient tomorrow.

The Space to Sea Accelerator project is proudly funded through Advance Queensland’s Collaborative Projects.

About Collaborative Projects

Discover more about Collaborative Projects program which supports regional innovation leaders to collaborate and unlock Queensland’s economic potential.

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Last updated: 21 Aug 2024