Skytec LLC

Advancing technologies for the monitoring and management of the changing world around us is a top priority at Skytec. From macro to micro-scale, we are successful in this goal when we leverage the skills, technology, and expertise of trusted partners like #ESRI. Check out this post to learn how this partnership works through our Ranger remote monitoring app.

Capture of the Month: As our built and natural communities continue to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Skytec is committed to providing actionable insights that aid in restoration efforts. Using advanced geospatial analysis and high-resolution satellite imagery from Planet Labs, we’ve developed a 3D change detection model that captures the extensive flood damage, landslides, and defoliation across the region. Our model reveals critical information to support ongoing recovery: · Flooded Areas: Detailed mapping of flood zones, including significant washouts near vital infrastructure such as water impoundments. · Landslide Risks: Identification of unstable hillsides and landslides that threaten both natural landscapes and nearby communities. · Forest Damage: Visualization of forest defoliation and storm-induced stress, crucial for planning long-term environmental recovery and wildlife conservation. By delivering these insights, we aim to support local authorities, environmental organizations, and residents in their efforts to rebuild, mitigate future risks, and restore the natural beauty of the gorge. Our team is proud to offer tools that help address the immediate needs of those impacted while also contributing to more resilient planning for the future. We believe that geospatial intelligence can play a vital role in supporting communities as they recover and rebuild. We’re here to help, now and in the future. If you'd like to learn more about our disaster recovery models, please reach out to us. #CommunitySupport #HurricaneRecovery #Geospatial #ChangeDetection #FloodMonitoring #LandslideRisk #ForestRestoration #Resilience #PlanetLabs #HickoryNutGorge #RemoteSensing

This was such a fun, interesting, and challenging 😎 project. Always grateful to work with rockstar scientists!

Next week, Andy Carroll, will be presenting at the Longleaf Alliance Conference in Miramar Beach, FL. His presentation, "New tools and technologies for advancing the efficient identification and monitoring of forests and high-value conservation areas", will demonstrate the latest advancements in geospatial technologies for forest and conservation management. We look forward to connecting with leaders in conservation and sharing how remote monitoring tools drive more efficient, data-driven decisions to protect our forests and high-value ecosystems. This event offers a great opportunity to collaborate and further conservation efforts vital to the sustainability of these natural resources. Learn more about the event here: https://lnkd.in/gJ22XE_g #Conservation #Forestry #MonitorWhatMatters #GIS

Yesterday, as the clouds started to break over the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina, we began to receive the first optical satellite images of impacted regions. Our hearts go out to all those affected and to the responders on the ground saving lives and comforting those in need.  As extreme weather events become more frequent, many local governments are struggling to keep pace with the rising demands of disaster response. Recent innovations in satellite technologies, such as global daily revisit rates, flexible tasking, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), exist today, but few organizations or traditional GIS departments are equipped to extract information and insights from these tools in a timely manner. There is significant disconnect between the emerging industry of satellite product providers and the professionals, resources managers, and engineers on the ground and in the field making decisions every day.  At Skytec LLC, we’re pioneering solutions that connect the dots between the rapidly advancing capabilities of satellite and remote sensing technologies with the well-established GIS and CAD-based systems used by our governments and industries.  Through natural resource and infrastructure monitoring, we are identifying problems faster, reducing the delays, and guiding an impactful response. The change detection visualization model shared here was developed with imagery collected by Planet Labs on October 2, 2024, and September 10th, 2024.  The model highlights areas of East Asheville and Swannanoa, NC that were impacted by hurricane-related flooding and landslides (these areas are represented in magenta – pink colors). Next, we integrate parcel data from ESRI’s Living Atlas to providing local governments with a precise understanding of how specific properties and infrastructure are affected. Most critically, our model detected a potential disturbance zone near the impoundment holding the city’s water supply (see red arrow). Information like this empowers responders to act faster and more effectively, safeguarding communities in ways that traditional methods simply can’t match. Few are tapping into this type of advanced geospatial intelligence—but as climate change accelerates, these tools will be indispensable for protecting communities, natural resources, and critical infrastructure. We will continue to do all we can to support our friends and families in the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. It will be a long recovery, but innovation and modernization of our response systems will greatly help. #climatechange #resilience #geospatialintelligence #disasterresponse #Planet #ESRI #Skytec #extremeweather #monitorwhatmatters #GIS

Meeting today’s environmental and planning challenges requires contemporary wetlands geospatial information. While the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides our Nation’s most comprehensive wetlands data, it is out of date in large portions of the U.S. Given the vital ecosystem services wetlands provide and the rapidly changing landscape, both physically and in a regulatory context, contemporary wetlands data is crucial. Advances in machine learning and high-resolution data sources like LiDAR and satellite imagery now make the rapid production of wetlands data possible. In response, Skytec has expertly utilized the Esri Arc Hydro Wetland Identification Model (WIM) as part of our comprehensive approach, integrating it with our own advanced methodologies and skillsets to predict wetland locations and extents in Tennessee, marking its largest and first statewide application. This model leverages various inputs, including LiDAR data, high-resolution imagery, meticulously curated training data, and scientific expertise, to enhance wetland conservation, permitting, and planning activities. We are excited to share the insightful results over the coming months. Contact us to learn more about this important work and how to participate in expanding these efforts. #wetlands #modeling #biodiversity

Spotlight on GIS for Sustainable Supply Chains: In July, Skytec and International Paper were recognized with the Esri Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award for our collaborative work on the ForSite® project.   As global sustainability regulations like the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) continue to shape industries, we’re revisiting how innovative GIS tools like ForSite® can drive responsible sourcing and help organizations meet regulatory requirements.   In our latest blog, we take a deeper dive into how ForSite® is supporting supply chain visibility and accountability and discuss how geospatial innovations can support industries beyond paper and packaging.   Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/ewaNXdZr View the case study: https://lnkd.in/erfkXXFS   #EUDR #MonitorWhatMatters #GIS 

Capture of the Month: Forest Harvesting Activity   This month’s capture highlights a diversity of forest harvesting activity shown in pink. This change detection visualization image product was generated by Skytec using Planet’s PlanetScope imagery for the entire state of Tennessee. Whether it’s selective harvests, like the pink stripes near the top of the image, or clear cuts of pine plantations seen in the lower left and right corners, we can detect forestry activity across the state monthly.   These impactful datasets are empowering monitoring and verification systems, as sourcing and sustainable supply chain requirements drive higher standards and greater diligence.   #Forestry #SupplyChain #EUDR #MonitorWhatMatters 

At Skytec, we’re constantly inspired by the incredible innovation happening right here in Chattanooga. From the high-speed EPB Fiber Optics Network that powers our data-driven solutions to the collaborative environment at the Edney Innovation Center, the cutting-edge research from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga IGTLab, and the impactful work of local nonprofit organizations like Tennessee River Gorge Trust and Appalachian Conservation Institute, we’re proud to be part of such a forward-thinking community.   Working alongside these organizations fuels our commitment to pushing the boundaries of geospatial technology and environmental stewardship. As we continue to grow and innovate, we remain grateful to be rooted in a city that supports and celebrates the spirit of innovation.   Thank you, Chattanooga, for being such an integral part of our journey. We look forward to continuing to work with our local collaborators, driving meaningful change both locally and beyond.   Join us in celebrating our local tech community on September 26th, at the Chattanooga Technology Council (ChaTech) 2024 TechX Awards. Learn more about the event here: https://lnkd.in/e4wTcFBu   #Chattanooga #TechForGood #TechX2024 #Innovation #GigCity 

See Skytec’s drone services in action. This point cloud was collected from our Riegl VUX-1 UAV sensor flown on a Harris Aerial H6 Hybrid UAS. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR technology can quickly and safely survey power lines, pipelines, and other critical assets, identifying potential issues such as vegetation encroachment, structural damage, and equipment malfunctions. This capability reduces the need for manual inspections, which are often time-consuming, costly, and hazardous. By integrating Skytec's advanced drone technology, the energy and utilities right-of-way (ROW) sector can achieve greater operational efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced safety. #UAS #LiDAR #pointcloud #utilities