[Music plays]
(Narrator) Thousands of kilometres
above the Earth’s surface
hundreds of satellites are providing
information to decision makers,
informing how we manage
mineral exploration,
farming practices and
environmental protection.
In fact, there are at least 60
current Earth observation programs
in federal and
state governments,
estimated to be worth approximately
950 million dollars.
CSIRO researchers recently teamed up
with fellow scientists from Japan,
China, Israel and France
to head into the outback to
make sure the information
coming from those
satellites is accurate.
It’s a process called
vicarious calibration.
(Dr Ong) In Australia
we are a huge consumer
of observation data for all
sorts of things, from mineral
exploration to environment
and so knowing
that the data is well
calibrated then ensures that
the downstream product
is a good product.
(Narrator) And how is this
information calibrated?
Using a spectrometer
like this one,
the team can take on ground
measurements of surface reflection
at the same time as a
satellite does an overpass
to take the same measurement.
The two sets of data
are then compared.
Another challenge for researchers
who rely on satellite data
is finding a suitable location
to take such measurements.
(Dr Ong) So we use
targets such as this,
which is Lake Lefroy
a big salt lake,
which is actually
considered a uniform target.
Uniform in terms of flat spectrally
as well as uniform composition,
so it’s a big expanse
of salt lake
and it’s a bright,
reflectance target.
(Narrator) But the problem with
this Western Australian target
is that it’s a long way from
any major urban centre.
Cue Rover.
CSIRO scientists have
developed a prototype
to see if they can automate the
process of vicarious calibration.
(Dr Elfes) So this
vehicle could,
potentially, be
operating here alone
and then the scientists that
are interested in the data
could be in their home countries
in real time looking at the
data that is being collected
and then suggesting,
for example, changes.
You know, ‘I need the
robot to go back there’.
Or ‘there was this signature
here, which was interesting;
We need to do a more
detailed analysis here’.
(Narrator) As well as
ensuring the accuracy
of the current suite
of spaceborne sensors,
the information collected
on this mission
will also be used for
future satellites.
The next generation will be
using hyper-spectral images,
essentially, collecting higher
spectral resolution imagery,
collecting important information
such as dry woody plant materials
and specific mineralogical
information
that is not available with
the current satellites.
(Dr Lau) High spectral
imagery is often used by
the mining industry for
exploring for mineral deposits.
We have the ability to look for
minerals from airborne imagery
on spaceborne imagery
and that gives indications
of whereabouts
we can explore for
finding targets.
A lot of money is spent in
exploration on drilling
and it’s very expensive to
put holes in the ground,
so if we can improve the
targeting of those drill holes
by looking for mineral deposits,
using remote sensing techniques
where we can cover a large area,
that can really be a benefit
to the mining industry.
(Prof Eyal Ben Dor) You
will be able to actually
monitor soil pollution,
soil activity and
also help farmers
to fertilise the soil
according to the exact
amount of fertilisers,
not to put more and waste money
and not to put less
and then reduce the
productivity of the soil.
(Narrator) Australia doesn’t
have any of its own satellites,
but relies on international
collaborations, like this,
for Earth observation data.
Our collaboration with
international satellite providers
and the Australian government
agencies like GeoScience Australia
helps to ensure
more accurate data,
leading to efficient,
productive and profitable mining
and agricultural industries.
[Music plays]
