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(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.
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