Satellite Technology Emerges as a Lifesaver for Utilities and Disasters Impacts Assessments

Amidst these challenges, satellite technology has emerged as a beacon of hope for utilities. Leveraging high-resolution, multispectral imaging techniques, satellites contribute significantly to disaster management, offering real-time data, continuous monitoring, and risk assessment. The advantages of satellite technology for utilities in disaster management are manifold.

• Accuracy and Availability of Near Real-Time Data: In times of storms and disasters, rapid response is crucial for saving lives and minimizing risks. Satellites provide accurate, continuous, and near real-time data, transcending geographical, weather, and terrain limitations. With thousands of earth observation satellites capturing data through optical, LiDAR, radar, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, utilities gain critical insights for informed decision-making.
• Continuous Monitoring and Risk Assessment: Satellites facilitate continuous monitoring of wildfires, leakages, and faulty assets, aiding utilities in identifying risks and preparing for disasters. By analyzing distributed assets, vegetation growth around power lines, gas emissions, air quality levels, disaster paths, and damages, utilities can pinpoint high-risk areas and take preemptive measures to mitigate risks.
• Weather and Terrain Independent Data: Satellites, positioned above the Earth’s atmosphere, provide up-to-date macro information of vast areas, irrespective of weather changes and terrain. SAR technology, in particular, offers continuous data independent of light, weather, or cloud cover. This technology’s accuracy, even at night, helps utilities detect changes in water and moisture levels, habitat impacts, and alterations in the earth’s surface.
• Intelligent and Predictive Information with AI: Satellite data, when combined with predictive analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), delivers actionable insights and recommendations. AI models enhance data intelligence, forecasting droughts, monitoring floods, mapping wildfires, and responding to earthquakes, cyclones, and other major events. This intelligence aids utilities in better operational and maintenance practices.
• Disaster Response Planning and Estimations: Satellites offer valuable inputs for predicting and assessing disaster locations and the extent of damage. High-resolution satellite imagery allows utilities to calculate damage estimations quickly and accurately, aiding in the planning and execution of recovery and restoration activities.
• Identification of Natural Regional Risks: Historical and current satellite data, coupled with AI, assist in predicting geographical regions vulnerable to specific weather events and disasters. Utilities can formulate plans for grid hardening, disaster preparedness, and swift restoration by identifying natural regional risks. Remote sensing technologies further contribute to creating digital surface models for studying land terrains, surface temperatures, air quality levels, and emissions.

Challenges and the Role of Technology

Disaster response planning and management require a comprehensive approach. Proactive measures involve leveraging geospatial technology, combining satellite data with AI, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. Governments and utilities must work hand in hand to harness the full potential of technology in building resilient infrastructure.

Opinion and Edited by Dr. Brijendra Kumar Mishra, (Disaster Risk Reduction Expert)