CATALYST leads EO industry with CEOS-compliant SAR and Optical Imagery

CATALYST leads EO industry with CEOS-compliant SAR and Optical Imagery
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Nov 01, 2024

PCI Geomatics Enterprise Inc. (DBA CATATLYST), a long-standing leader in Earth observation, has announced that its Normalized Radar Backscatter (NRB) product now meets Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) standards, marking it as CEOS compliant. This accomplishment highlights CATALYST's work with top-tier space agencies, including Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and NASA, to advance analysis-ready data (ARD) in line with CEOS' initiatives to support global biodiversity monitoring. Additionally, CATALYST has begun the peer review process to achieve CEOS compliance for its Surface Reflectance product family, reinforcing its dedication to data quality and international standardization.

Building on over four decades of expertise in image processing and data integration, CATALYST has developed sophisticated ARD processing pipelines compatible with both multispectral optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. This capability aligns with the industry's rising demand for multi-temporal data extraction, coupled with the growing integration of big data and AI in Earth observation.

"We're proud to be at the forefront of ARD technology," stated Kevin Jones, Vice President of Product. "Our sensor-agnostic approach to ARD production aligns with CEOS' mission to standardize and ensure the quality of Earth observation data, supporting critical research and scientific efforts to address the impacts of climate change."

Through its partnership with CEOS, CATALYST emphasizes the value of multi-temporal analysis for today's data-centric needs. Meeting high standards has become crucial, ensuring reliable data for scientists, businesses, and space agencies alike. By offering sensor-agnostic ARD products that meet CEOS compliance, PCI Geomatics, through CATALYST, has positioned itself as a pioneer in a rapidly expanding market.

"Commercialization in the space sector is essential for accelerating innovation, expanding access, and driving sustainable growth," said Dr. Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency and Chairman of CEOS. "Through collaboration between private enterprises and governmental space agencies, we can unlock new technologies, create jobs, and make space more accessible. Partnerships between industry leaders like CATALYST and CEOS fuel competition, reduce costs, and accelerate advancements."

CATALYST continues to play an influential role in Earth observation, with CEOS standards underscoring the significance of partnerships across both public and commercial sectors. Supported by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), CATALYST advances its scientific capabilities and works with agencies like the South African National Space Agency (Sansa) on projects such as the SPOT ARD workflow, further demonstrating its commitment to innovation in Earth observation technology.