The world’s first LiDAR map of the globe

A conversation with the CEO of NUVIEW about mapping the globe, the future of space, and more.

Commercial applications of LiDAR for illuminating terrestrial regions, mapping subterranean regions or submerged past worlds are well known, but Florida-based NUVIEW literally moves LiDAR maps up into the sky and out, with the goal of covering the entire globe.

“What sets us apart is a commitment to continuous, real-time monitoring and tracking of 3D changes in the Earth’s surface. Our innovative vision lies in the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and dynamic nature of our data, ultimately transforming our understanding of the planet. Clint Grauman, CEO and Founder, NUVIEW Corporation, In an interview with geospatial world.

NUVIEW plans to map the entire Earth using LiDAR technology, an innovative feat that is very ambitious in scope. Since this project is unique, and very different from traditional LiDAR use cases, what do you think is the advantage of this approach?

The inherent advantage of the NUVIEW approach is the massive scale and continuous nature of data collection. LiDAR can accurately generate 3D models of landscapes, structures, and vegetation, which greatly benefits many fields such as geography, forestry, geology, and urban planning.

It can be used to map terrain, calculate biomass, or identify potential infrastructure problems. Compared to aircraft and drone-based LiDAR technology, the satellite approach provides global coverage and repeatable scans in real time.

The Earth Observation sector is undergoing a lot of changes due to increasing cloud capabilities, refined analytics, rapid cost reduction, and technology convergence and interoperability. Where do you think the future of the sector is heading, and how do you foresee NUVIEW’s role in this evolving ecosystem?

Thanks to advances in technology and cost reductions, the Earth observation sector is moving towards high-frequency, high-resolution data collection. This allows for more accurate and timely insights.

NUVIEW can play an important role in this ecosystem, providing a unique data source that complements other forms of imaging. Its data can be integrated into analytics platforms to generate new insights, aiding in areas such as environmental monitoring, infrastructure planning, and climate change mitigation.

Tell us about the founding philosophy and vision of NUVIEW Space.

At NUVIEW, our mission is to revolutionize Earth observation by providing the most accurate and comprehensive 3D data set of the Earth’s surface through our LiDAR satellites. We aim to set the global standard for digital elevation models by simultaneously collecting digital terrain and surface models.

What distinguishes us is our commitment to continuous and real-time monitoring, which enables us to track three-dimensional changes on the Earth’s surface. Our innovative vision lies in the accuracy, comprehensiveness and dynamic nature of our data, ultimately transforming our understanding of the planet.

With vast amounts of high-resolution satellite data at our disposal, what do you think are the gaps that need to be filled to get actionable insights for a better tomorrow?

With the massive influx of high-resolution satellite data, the main challenge is extracting meaningful insights from the raw data. Machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques will be crucial in processing and analyzing this data.

In addition, better data integration platforms are needed to combine different types of satellite data (such as optical data, SAR, and LiDAR) to provide more comprehensive insights.

It is best to map climate change and its causes and effects such as deforestation, melting of snow on polar caps, melting of glaciers, desertification, ocean pollution, etc. using change detection technology. How will NUVIEW contribute in-depth knowledge of such changes to further climate change mitigation efforts?

NUVIEW’s LiDAR satellites will provide valuable data for efforts to mitigate climate change. And as reported in the press, we’ve had some notable support from the environmental community.

High-resolution 3D nature LiDAR data can be used to detect changes in vegetation, ice caps, and other environmental features. With frequent and frequent surveys, this can be a powerful tool for tracking the progress of climate change and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are poised to be game-changers in EO and the space industry globally. What do you think about it, and how much do you rely on these technologies?

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are about to revolutionize EO and the space industry, especially in light of the huge and complex data that systems like NUVIEW’s LiDAR satellites will generate. Data volumes from LiDAR technology—comprising huge numbers of data points, each with discrete values—represent a rich resource for these technologies.

The fine detail and three-dimensional nature of LiDAR data make it an ideal candidate for artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. Algorithms can be trained to recognize patterns and anomalies, classify features, predict changes over time, and take advantage of the depth and accuracy of the data. The synergy between LiDAR data and AI/ML is poised to unlock unprecedented insights.

While the sheer volume of LiDAR data presents a challenge, artificial intelligence and machine learning are uniquely equipped to manage, analyze, and interpret this information. By enabling efficient data processing and sophisticated pattern recognition, these technologies play an essential role in realizing the full potential of the valuable data that NUVIEW generates.

What do you think are some of the structural constraints and challenges that the space sector faces?

Space awareness is an increasingly important concern. As more satellites are deployed, good orbit management becomes vital. Managing and tracking satellite deployments to prevent collisions and maintain sustainable use of space orbits is a major responsibility of all spacefaring entities.

Ensuring the longevity of our shared space environment requires thoughtful operation and design of satellite systems, a challenge that will only grow as the industry continues to expand our activities in space.

As we prepare to transition to Industry 4.0, what do you think is the role of geospatial and EO in an era defined by 5G, IoT and industrial automation?

In the transition to Industry 4.0, geospatial and Earth observation (EO) technologies will critically influence data-driven decision-making, playing important roles in optimizing supply chain pathways, monitoring infrastructure health, forecasting environmental risks, enhancing agricultural efficiency, and supporting the development of cities. smart. and assistance in automated operations.

Watch the interview with the magazine in PDF format here.