The ‘4S’ project will develop a cloud-based, automated Earth observation service to remotely map and monitor seafloor habitats.

The ‘4S’ (Satellite Seafloor Survey Suite) project seeks to de-risk shallow water bathymetry and site characterisation activities with an automated analysis platform for satellite-derived data.

With EU co-funding for three years, Earth observation algorithms will be developed to map and monitor coastal morphology, bathymetry and seafloor habitats. Artificial intelligence, satellite and airborne data, and physics models to develop the platform, led by EOMAP.

Dr. Knut Hartmann, 4S Project Coordinator and COO of EOMAP, said: “The aim of 4S is to achieve a seamless integration of satellite-data analytics into marine and coastal workflows. We’re combining recent advances in satellite sensors, data analytics and cloud infrastructure to benefit marine reporting, monitoring and surveying methods.”

Fugro is an industry partner on the project, leading the business and integration activities, and providing evaluation services from its hydrographers and geo-data specialists against a set of use cases. Other project partners include the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, QPS, Länsstyrelsen Västerbotten, CNR ISMAR, the Hydrographic Institute and Smith Warner International Ltd.

Dhira Adhiwijna, Fugro’s 4S Project Manager, said: “Fugro is honoured to be part of an exciting EU innovation that could result in faster and safer Geo-data insights for our energy and infrastructure clients. Upon completion, 4S will be integrated into our high-speed hydrography offering and provide innovative solutions that will also de-risk marine site characterisation activities.”

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, under grant agreement No. 101004221.

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