The Earth observation web platform service “AxelGlobe” was selected by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan to assist in improving the efficiency of map updates by utilizing satellites and AI.
Axelspace, the sole operator of an optical satellite constellation in Japan, will contribute to the development of the digital national basemap via satellite images acquired by AxelGlobe in-orbit satellites, GRUS.
Background of The Selection
The digital national basemap is a foundational map in a digital format created by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) to standardize the map measurement of Japan’s land.
It serves as the fundamental data for maps utilized by both public and private sectors, supporting various use cases such as car navigation systems, map apps, and hazard maps. Therefore, the basemap development and the promotion of its usage are acknowledged as the priority measures of the government.
With the aim of enhancing the productivity of these activities, GSI has been developing technology for extracting areas of change from both satellite images captured at two distinct time points and AI-generated image analyses. AxelGlobe will support this initiative by providing “cloudless” satellite imagery data showing the latest status of Japan’s land features*.
*Information that represents land status such as the state of vegetation, and presence of cliffs, boulders and architectural construction (i.e., roads and buildings).
Changes in roads, large-scale buildings, etc. are extracted based on satellite imagery analysis and then reflected in map information. (Source: GSI)
About AxelGlobe Earth Observation Platform
AxelGlobe is an Earth observation platform powered by GRUS, the five AxelGlobe satellites currently in orbit, allowing anyone to access satellite data from their computers. GRUS can observe the same point on Earth at intervals of 2-3 days with ground resolution of 2.5 meters, which is sufficient to identify large aircrafts parked on the ground in the captured images.
Taking advantage of the precise attitude control performance of GRUS, it can provide data across the globe on a tasking basis to meet user demands.
As for this project, AxelGlobe developed a new product called “AxelGlobe Mosaic” which generates cloudless satellite imagery data by compiling multiple captures of the same location.
In response to the selection of AxelGlobe, Tatsuhiko Fukasawa, Director and Head of AxelGlobe Business Division, commented;
The Digital National Basemap is an important database serving as a foundation of Japanese society, and we believe the selection of AxelGlobe results from high evaluation of its reliability and flexibility. We will continue to contribute to GSI’s projects by providing valuable services from AxelGlobe.
AxelGlobe
AxelGlobe Official Website https://www.axelglobe.com/en
Online Catalog https://www.axelspace.com/assets/pdf/services/ag_catalog_en.pdf
Company Profile
Axelspace Corporation
Location: Tokyo, Japan
President and CEO: Yuya Nakamura
Main business activities involve the following: Earth observation business using microsatellites; proposals of solutions utilizing microsatellites; designing and manufacturing of microsatellites and related components; launch arrangements for microsatellites; operational support and commissioning.
URL: https://www.axelspace.com/
Contact Information for Media
Axelspace Holdings Corporation
PR Unit, Communication Promotion Division
Email: pr@axelspace.com