Development of a PC based system for real-time, local reception of high resolution satellite data for environmental monitoring

A recent EU funded study on the constraints and opportunities of Earth observation in developing countries has identified the lack of more direct access to satellite data as a major global restriction on resource management needs in these countries. The removal of this obstacle lies in direct readout satellite transmissions and the capabilities of low-cost, reception systems for data acquisition and processing. Direct, local reception of low resolution satellite data (e.g. NOAA) is a proven capability and its use in developing countries is growing. Improvements in the cost and performance of computing components, means that the potential for low cost, high resolution data capture can now begin to be realised. NRI, BURS and NLR are collaborating closely together in researching innovative approaches to such capabilities. UK government funded research is demonstrating that PC based systems can be designed to enable local, direct acquisition and processing of high resolution satellite data. These developments will enable the deployment of smaller reception antennae thereby reducing system costs, improving portability and enabling localised operation. They will also enable institutes and organisations in developing countries (and elsewhere) to access and utilise this technology for improved understanding and management of their natural resources. The technical approach and current results are presented.