Satellite-based change detection and predictive monitoring of infrastructure grids based on high resolution data

Project Information

EOinTime

Grant agreement ID: 190100375

DOI

10.3030/190100375

Project closed

EC signature date 20 September 2022

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 31 March 2024

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 2 489 000,00

EU contribution

€ 1 735 300,00

Coordinated by

LIVEEO GMBH
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - EOinTime (Satellite-based change detection and predictive monitoring of infrastructure grids based on high resolution data)

Reporting period: 2023-07-01 to 2024-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The project, EOinTime, aims to expand LiveEO’s capabilities and satellite-based monitoring services targeted at infrastructure grid operators. Hazards, such as storms, ground deformation or vegetation growth present a major disruption risks to infrastructure networks. Through a combination of AI and geospatial risk analytics, the services developed during this project identify external threats to the grid and predicts future impacts caused by vegetation, ground movement, third-party interactions or disasters such as storms. With completion of the project, several threat-specific end-to-end monitoring services for infrastructure networks shall be in place.The project focuses on the provision of near real time monitoring services through further development of capabilities for rapid change detection (e.g. for rapid storm damage monitoring) and slower change detection for continuous, recurrent monitoring and predictions through the incorporation of time series analytics. The integration of the temporal dimension will facilitate long-term predictions of potential hazardous conditions adjacent to networks. The services will be fully cloud infrastructure-based, powered by advanced AI solutions, and advance existing capabilities of LiveEO's core products for the infrastructure sector, which are (I) Vegetation Monitoring Product, (II) Ground Deformation Monitoring Product, (III) Rapid Response Insights Product, and the Product for (IV) Third Party Monitoring.
For the provision of these end-to-end and recurring monitoring services, further automations and improvements of data acquisition, data processing and customer delivery pipelines are an integral part of the proposed development. Insights are made actionable through the identification, characterization and prioritization of risk areas based on client-defined thresholds and through translation into work orders for problem-specific actions. To this end, the further development of LiveEO’s proprietary end user applications and the integration and development of new features is equally within the scope of the project.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project, aimed at enhancing satellite-based monitoring services for detecting and predicting risks to infrastructure grids, has resulted in significant advancement of LiveEO’s existing products, as well as in the release of new products. We have focused on developing end-to-end solutions that leverage synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical imagery data for both rapid and slow change detection and vegetation detection and characterization. Key advancements include the exploration and implementation of state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms tailored for scenarios such as post-storm damage, vegetation vitality, and deforestation monitoring. We have successfully established and integrated satellite data ingestion and processing pipelines using modern orchestration tools like Prefect and Anyscale, which have significantly reduced costs, increased automation, and improved the speed and robustness of data analysis. Moreover, we've redesigned data acquisition processes to support both rapid response and extensive time-series analyses, complemented by a modular Imagery Catalogue and API utilizing the leading geospatial industry technologies of COGS and STAC. Enhanced detection accuracies have been achieved by employing state of the art AI methodologies for time series analysis for species detection and vitality assessment. High-quality annotated datasets have been assembled and curated for training models focused on multi-class bi-temporal change detection. Additionally, pilot projects across three verticals—oil & gas pipelines, electricity, and railways—have provided valuable validation points and feedback, driving further refinement of our solutions. The customer-facing applications have been updated to enable seamless navigation and decision-making across multiple data deliveries, supporting comprehensive, long-running inspection campaigns over critical infrastructure assets. Throughout the project, we have engaged in extensive dissemination and communication activities, conducted successful demonstrations, and maintained strict adherence to the schedule and budget. All planned deliverables and milestones for the first 18 months have been met, positioning us well for future development and commercialization efforts.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Significant progress has been achieved throughout the project, aligning with the implementation plan and objectives. LiveEO has enhanced the reliability and cost-efficiency of monitoring infrastructure grids, significantly reducing the reliance on aerial flights and consequently offering substantial potential for CO2 savings. The advanced monitoring services developed under this project help prevent infrastructure damage from external risks, thus contributing to the continuity and safety of operations across various sectors. This not only benefits the economy but also ensures the health and safety of the public. At the point of project completion, the socio-economic and technological impacts are expected to become even more pronounced, showcasing the value of these developments as they transition from technical solutions to fully operational, commercial products. Further steps to ensure the success and uptake of these solutions include ongoing research, customer demonstrations, and enhancements to market access and finance strategies. Additionally, support for commercialization, intellectual property rights, internationalization, and alignment with supportive regulatory and standardization frameworks will be crucial.