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Physics of Volcanoes 2024 Workshop at DLR
11. März 2024
From March 4 to 6, 2024, DLR hosted this year’s Physics of Volcanoes workshop. At this German Geophysical Society event held annually at a German research institution, an interdisciplinary exchange on various aspects of volcanism was in the foreground.
Volcanic eruption on Galapagos
March 11, 2024
At the beginning of March, the La Cumbre volcano on an uninhabited island in the Galapagos archipelago erupted, endangering unique animal species found only there, such as the giant tortoise discovered there. The satellites of the European Copernicus program are monitoring the eruption.
Assessing risks in case of a disaster
February 29, 2024
Experts from Germany, Chile, Ecuador and Peru have developed a demonstrator for a multi-risk information system in an international research collaboration led by the Earth Observation Center (EOC) of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The demonstrator tool can be used to simulate and display cascading effects and interactions of natural hazards in complex disaster events. The findings obtained allow risks to be reduced or avoided altogether and for the public to be prepared for impending dangers.
High-performance technologies for the fight against hunger
February 19, 2024
Humanitarian aid is urgently needed. Worldwide, 333 million people are suffering from acute hunger due to conflicts, natural disasters, the effects of climate change and high food prices. The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) has been providing technological support in the fight against hunger for around twenty years - in particular alongside the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the world's largest humanitarian organization. Now they have renewed their first formal alliance.
ESA astronaut candidates at the EOC
Februar 12, 2024
Two years ago, for the first time after 13 years, the European Space Organization (ESA) again selected again astronauts for future missions. They were chosen from over 22,500 applicants. On February 6 they paid a visit to EOC as part of their basic training.
Wildfires in Chile
February 9, 2024
After days of intense summer heat, devastating fires broke out in the Valparaíso region of central Chile. The wildland fires destroyed thousands of homes and claimed several casualties and injuries.
The Center for Satellite-based Crisis information (ZKI) of DLR created maps for this disaster, based on data of the German hyperspectral satellite mission EnMAP in the frame of the International Charter of Space and Major Disaster.
Visit from the BKG leadership
February 8, 2024
On February 6, 2024 EOC welcomed a delegation comprised of the president of the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG), Prof. Paul Becker, and his senior staff.
In a meeting of the leadership of both institutions central areas of collaboration relating to the use of remote sensing data for public authorities were discussed and potentials in additional fields examined.
First consistent forest structure survey for Germany from 2017 to 2022
February 8, 2024
The German forest is in bad shape. A new EOC method now shows for the first time in high spatial and temporal resolution how its horizontal and vertical structure has changed in recent years.
Keeping an eye on Arctic sea ice
January 29, 2024
Over the past three years EOC together with four companies has developed in the EisKlass2 project new methodologies to monitor and classify sea ice. The new data products make possible fuel-efficient and safe ship navigation in polar regions. Using the also-developed IcySea software, mapping can be immediately employed on board.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We wish you a peaceful and reflective Christmas season with your loved ones. May the starry sky enchant you with its beauty and bring you peace and joy.
EOC cooperates with South Korea
November 28, 2023
On November 24 a delegation from the South Korean National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) paid a visit to EOC. NIER is a state research facility whose objectives include improving living conditions, natural resource protection, and combating global warming and its consequences. After the visit a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for the purpose of strengthening collaboration in these fields.
Why the Arctic is melting more than the Antarctic
December 08, 2023
Over the past 100 years, the Arctic has contributed more than four times as much to sea level rise as the Antarctic. But why? The Helmholtz Climate Initiative, in collaboration with the EOC, has produced a video (in german) on the melting processes in the Arctic and Antarctic that explains the phenomenon. Among other things, EOC is using AI methods to research how the calving processes in the Antarctic have changed in recent decades.
Cooperation with Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT)
November 30, 2023
Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) of Norway and the German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) have renewed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen their collaboration in operating and further developing satellite ground stations. Ground segments are fundamental to EOC’s systems competence, making possible, for example, the development of new near real-time data analysis products.
UN secretary-general Guterres visits EOC Antarctic station
November 27, 2023
Before the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai, UN secretary-general António Guterres visited the Antarctic together with the president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, and a high-ranking delegation. His visit brought him to the most extreme northeastern outskirts of the Antarctic Peninsula where Germany’s satellite receiving station GARS O’Higgins is located, near Chile’s Bernardo O’Higgins Station.
Record: 1.35 million visitors
November 27, 2023
Last week alone over 26,000 visitors made use of the opportunity to see the EOC Earth Sculpture. After a 26 month run the exhibit “The fragile Paradise” finally came to an end this past Sunday: with 1.35 million visitors the most successful exhibition at the Gasometer and the single most successful individual exhibit in Germany 2022/2023.
EOC supports training of ESA astronauts
November 24, 2023
On 13 and 14 November 2023, scientists from the DLR Earth Observation Center (EOC) supported the training of ESA astronauts at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne. Seven astronauts were instructed in Earth observation and remote sensing as part of their basic training.
Topographic changes on Earth measured
November 22, 2023
DLR has established another milestone in 3D Earth mapping with the 'TanDEM-X 30-metre DEM Change Map', which provides a global overview of changes to Earth's surface. Change maps are relevant for everything from glacial retreat to agricultural development, volcanic activity and urban planning. Mapping changes in this way is significant for numerous research fields, climate change studies and socio-political issues. The new dataset from the TanDEM-X satellite mission is now freely available at a pixel spacing of 30 metres, with an absolute height accuracy down to just one metre, providing high-precision data across the globe.
EOC-Earth sculpture highlight of the Graz Sound and Light Festival
November 6, 2023
From October 25 to 27 the Graz Sound and Light Festival took place for the eighth time. Over 100,000 visitors came from Austria, Germany, Italy, Hungary and Slovenia to see the fifteen sound and light installations produced by international artists. This year the main item exhibited in the castle ruins on the Graz Schlossberg and one of the four items requiring the purchase of a festival admission ticket was an Earth sculpture, EOC’s “Blue Planet”.
Spin-off of the EOC receives KfW Founders Award
October 30, 2023
The company “thermal DRONES GmbH”, founded as a spin-off of the German Aerospace Center e.V. (DLR) by Dr Martin Israel together with Tobias Dahms, received from the KfW investment and development bank one of the Founders Awards as a federal state winner in a companies competition.
Visitors from Cameroon at EOC
October 27, 2023
On October 26, 2026 the Lamido of Rey-Bouba in the Central African country of Cameroon, Abdoulaye S.M. Aboubakary, accompanied by a delegation paid a visit to the Earth Observation Center (EOC) to obtain information about the potential of remote sensing for environmental protection.
German radar satellites provide new insights
October 27, 2023
Already for 13, respectively 16 years, the German radar satellites TanDEM-X and TerraSAR-X have provided high resolution radar images and high-precision digital elevation models of Earth. And completely new products and results are still emerging, such as those just introduced at the TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X science team meeting at DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen.
WFPxDLR meeting at WFP Headquarter in Rome
October 27, 2023
The World Food Programme (WFP) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) are partners with many years of successful cooperation in various thematic areas. On October 25th, a delegation of DLR scientists visited the WFP headquarter for a joint strategic and technical workshop. Aim of this one-day workshop was to deepen the partnership and, in particular, to reflect on past successes and develop ideas for effective future collaboration.
Special edition on multi-risk assessment
October 26, 2023
EOC is investigating whether earth observation can usefully play a role in identifying and characterizing the complexity of factors associated with different types of risks. In a special edition of the Springer Publishers journal "Natural Hazards" EOC scientists now present some of their results from earlier international research projects.
DLR flight campaign over Cyprus
October 19, 2023
From October 9 - 14, DLR conducted a measurement campaign in Cyprus. On board the DLR research aircraft of type Dornier Do 228-212, the optical 3K camera system developed by DLR, as well as the imaging spectrometer HySpex were used. The measurements are intended to provide information on how climate change is altering agriculture in arid regions such as Cyprus, and how urban temperatures are developing there. In addition, the recordings will be used to find clues to undiscovered archaeological sites.
Sentinel-5P Full Mission Reprocessing Campaign completed
October 17, 2023
The Copernicus Sentinel 5 Precursor mission recently concluded its first mission reprocessing campaign. The goal of the campaign was to produce the entire product tree of S5P, covering the period end of April 2018 (since start of the routine operations of the satellite) until end of July 2022 (four years and three months), using newer algorithms. The result is a coherent dataset across the whole spectrum of the Mission with the same, or similar, algorithmic quality to the nominal operational products.
One of the largest ozone holes in years
October 12, 2023
EOC assessments show that this year’s ozone hole is one of the largest since measurements began. The record size can probably be attributed to the 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga volcano.
The ozone destruction is primarily caused by the decades-long industrial use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) that accumulated in the atmosphere. The ozone hole season usually begins in mid August, early springtime in the Antarctic. That is the season when ideal conditions rule there for ozone destruction: especially low temperatures combined with enough solar illumination.
EOC hosts CEOS Workshop on Calibration and Validation of Optical Sensors
October 05, 2023
From Sept. 25 – 29, the EOC was hosting the annual meeting of the CEOS Working Group Cal/Val of Infrared and Visible Optical Sensors Subgroup (CEOS WGCV IVOS). The group consists of internationally recognized experts who are working towards the common goal of ensuring high quality calibration and validation of infrared and visible optical data from Earth observation satellites, as well as the validation of higher level products.
Aerial survey of vegetation, atmosphere and transport infrastructure
September 28, 2023
In September and October, the German Aerospace Center is conducting a series of measurement flights for remote sensing of the Earth and the environment with the DO-228 research aircraft (D-CFFU) stationed in Oberpfaffenhofen. On board are the imaging spectrometer system HySpex and the 3K camera system of the DLR Remote Sensing Technology Institute. DLR researchers use the aerial images of the 3K system with a resolution of a few centimeters in combination with the spectral information of the HySpex system to derive a variety of information about vegetation, atmosphere and traffic infrastructure.
Satellites detect where locust infestations occur
August 31, 2023
Grasshoppers can destroy cereal crops and pastureland, threatening the food supply of people. In an international project, researchers from the EOC have now developed methods that help to detect locust outbreaks as early as possible and to take action against them. Satellite images from Earth observation play a central role in this. The images show environmental parameters that favor the spread of the insects.
Helmholtz Doctoral Prize awarded to EOC scientist
August 4, 2023
EOC scientist Dr Mariel Dirscherl was honoured with the 2022 Helmholtz Doctoral Prize on July 13, 2023. The presentation of the prize certificate took place in Berlin at a ceremony in the Spreepalais.
Daily monitoring of forest fires around the Mediterranean Sea
August 01, 2023
The wildfires in the Mediterranean region were exceptionally intense in July 2023, causing devastating damage. According to EFFIS, Europe’s Copernicus Program, the area burned is nearly twice as large as the long-term average. An EOC (Earth Observation Center) web service shows daily updates on the development of the fires. Evaluations made by the Center for Satellite-based Crisis Information (ZKI) provide information about the extent of damage, also using data from the German hyperspectral satellite EnMAP.
Awarding the DLR Senior Scientist title
July 31, 2023
Dr. Ursula Geßner, a German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) team leader, has been awarded the title of “DLR Senior Scientist”. The official designation bestowed by the DLR executive board took place in the context of the Science BBQ on July 26, 2023 in Oberpfaffenhofen.
EnMAP records eruption of Fagradalsfjall on Iceland
July 14, 2023
On 10 July 2023 at 16:40 UTC there was an eruption of Fagradalsfjall volcano on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula southwest of Reykjavik. Less than seven hours later the fissure vent eruption was recorded by the German hyperspectral satellite EnMAP (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program). EnMAP has over 224 spectral bands available in the wavelength range between 420 and 2450 nanometers – in visible as well as near and shortwave infrared wavelengths – at a 30 meter ground resolution.
Discussions in Neustrelitz on cooperation with Korea Aerospace Research Institute
July 11, 2023
EOC has been receiving and processing data from Korean Earth observation satellites for eight years. Now the cooperation with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is to be further intensified. On July 4, the Korean delegation was welcomed at DFD in Neustrelitz for a first exchange of ideas.
The world‘s cultural heritage in focus
July 07, 2023
How can Earth observation help protect and preserve the world‘s cultural heritage? Remote sensing specialists and experts in the preservation of historic sites addressed themselves to this question at a “Summer School on Cultural Heritage” held from July 3 to 6 at DLR’s Earth Observation Center (EOC) in Oberpfaffenhofen.
Expansion of the EUSI ground station at DFD in Oberpfaffenhofen
July 07, 2023
European Space Imaging (EUSI), a long-standing DFD partner, is investing in the expansion of the DFD ground station in Oberpfaffenhofen. The Munich company EUSI has a licence for the high-resolution optical satellite data of the MAXAR company, and together with DFD is preparing for the reception of the new Maxar WorldView Legion Constellation, which is scheduled to begin at the end of the year. This strategic expansion enhances the technological capability of the station and highlights the partnership between DFD and EUSI.
DLR expertise on modern civil protection in the German Bundestag
July 06, 2023
The importance of Earth observation data and geoinformation for modern civil protection was illustrated by Dr. Monika Gähler, head of the Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information (ZKI) at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) on July 3, 2023, during a public hearing of the German Bundestag's Committee on Interior and Home Affairs.
Future Strategies for Data Archiving – HSM & Cluster FS Conference 2023
June 27, 2023
From June 14 to 16, the "HSM & Cluster FS" (Hierarchical Storage Management and Cluster File Systems) Conference 2023 took place at Gut Ulrichshusen. The event, which takes place every two years at the Mecklenburg Lake District, focuses on highly specialized software solutions for professional archiving of data volumes in the petabyte range.
A new era in geoinformation with "terrabyte"
June 15, 2023
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities have commenced operations with
"terrabyte"
- one of Europe's largest scientific platforms for analysing Earth observation data. For the first time, the platform enables researchers to efficiently analyse global data sets from Earth observation satellites at the highest resolution.
25 years of Copernicus - a success story
June 07, 2023
What began in 1998 under the name "Global Monitoring for Environment and Security" (GMES) is now Europe's largest and most successful Earth observation program: On June 8, 2023,
Copernicus
will celebrate its 25th birthday. The information from the program's current seven Sentinel satellites is the basis for research and monitoring of climate change, among other things, but also for applications in modern agriculture as well as disaster control. The data also serve as the basis for important international agreements on environmental and climate protection, for example in the context of the United Nations (UN) climate conferences and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
EOC scientist receives Helmut Rott Prize
May 25, 2023
The EOC scientist Dr. Celia Amélie Baumhoer was presented with the 2022 Helmut Rott Prize on May 16, 2023. This prize is awarded every two years for outstanding dissertations closely associated with remote sensing of the cryosphere.
1000000 visitors see DLR's Earth Sculpture in Oberhausen Gasometer
May 18, 2023
With one million visitors, the exhibition "The Fragile Paradise" in the Oberhausen Gasometer is one of the most successful exhibitions in Germany. The highlight of the exhibition is the Earth Sculpture, which EOC staff brought to life with animations based on earth observation data.
Registration now - 10th Conference "Hierarchical Storage Management and Cluster File Systems
May 10, 2023
The aim of the conference is to promote the exchange of information and experience between developers and users of hierarchical data management software and file systems for managing large amounts of data. The conference will be held at Ulrichshusen Castle & Manor from June 14-16, 2023.
Earth observation data reveal snow deficits in the Alps
May 03, 2023
For the second year in a row the Alps have experienced a winter with exceptionally low snowfall. EOC researcher have now analysed how the last snow season compares with those of the past 38 years. To accomplish that they studied over 15,000 satellite images covering the entire Alpine region. The result was that this spring the snow line averaged 166 m above the longstanding mean value.
AI combines data from earth observation and social media for rapid disaster relief
April 30, 2023
Fortunately, it was only an exercise: A storm depression floods parts of Salzburg and surrounding areas, buildings collapse, trains derail, people are in distress. About 800 participants faced the disaster scenario in Austria, including employees from the Earth Observation Center (EOC). They have developed methods for recording and evaluating the situation so that important information can be made available to crisis management teams faster and more comprehensively than usual.
Detecting oil pollution with a multi-sensor approach
April 18, 2023
EOC is developing various methods to map oil slicks in both SAR and optical satellite images. The sinking on February 28 of MT Princess Empress, a tanker loaded with 800,000 litres of industrial oil, near the Philippine island of Mindoro is now providing up-to-date research data. Within a month about half of the oil had leaked from the wreck and was dispersed over hundreds of kilometres by the currents.
Shiveluch volcano erupts on the Kamchatka Peninsula
April 14, 2023
This year’s largest volcanic eruption to date took place on April 10 when Shiveluch volcano on Kamchatka Peninsula erupted at 13:49 UTC. The UV spectrometer TROPOMI on board Europe’s Sentinel-5 Precursor (S5P) satellite recorded for the first time the massive volcanic cloud of sulphur dioxide (SO2) one day after the first eruption. S5P measurements are processed around the clock at EOC, so a record of the trend of volcanic emissions can be continuously provided.
The German forest under climate stress - ForstEO project launched
March 24, 2023
The unusually severe heat and drought periods of the past five years have taken their toll on Germany's forests and fostered pest infestations. In the future, Earth observation will provide the forest sector with comprehensive data to detect forest damage and causes of damage at an early stage and to better inform forest management. On March 21, 2023, the International Day of Forests, the ForstEO project was launched for this purpose.
EOC scientist honoured
March 15, 2023
EOC scientist Dr Celia Baumhoer was awarded the 1922 DLR Science Prize for her outstanding scientific achievements. This prize is awarded annually to a maximum of two scientists.
Ozone layer on the way to recovery – WMO/UNEP report published
February 28, 2023
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) published in February the latest status report on the ozone layer of Earth’s atmosphere (Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion 2022). EOC scientists played a significant role as authors and reviewers in drawing up the report.
Detecting oil spills with AI
February 16, 2023
EOC scientists, together with partners from Israel, have trained an artificial intelligence-based system to detect oil spills early on radar satellite imagery. In addition to tanker spills, illegal discharges such as oily ballast water, tanker wash residues, and fuel oil debris are having a devastating impact on the ecosystem.
Land surface has shifted by up to six metres
February 14, 2023
Satellite images show how the land has shifted due to the severe earthquakes in Turkey and Syria: According to an evaluation by the Earth Observation Center (EOC), the faults amount to up to six metres in some places. The scientists analysed and visualised data from the European radar satellite Sentinel-1. The cracks can be seen on the surface over a length of about 250 kilometres.
Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
February 8, 2023
On February 6, 2023, an earthquake with a magnitude 7.8 occurred in the Gaziantep region of southeastern Turkey, followed by numerous aftershocks up to magnitude 7.5. Many regions and cities have been affected, especially in the Turkish-Syrian border area. The total number of people affected or injured is still unknown, as the situation remains unclear as cleanup efforts are ongoing. The DLR-ZKI provides a web viewer, where first aid responders, humanitarian actors and governmental agencies for public safety can receive high resolution satellite imagery and their analyses.
DLR supports emergency responders in Turkey
February 8, 2023
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is supporting rescue teams in areas affected by the recent earthquakes in Turkey. Researchers at the DLR Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information (ZKI) are analysing satellite images and processing them into digital maps. This situational information is also passed on to teams on the ground. As part of the DLR Earth Observation Center, the ZKI specialises in the analysis of satellite data for crisis relief. The ZKI works closely with authorities and non-governmental organisations within Germany and internationally.
COINS – sustainable intensification of agriculture in Africa
February 03, 2023
Some 30 participants from 14 countries participated in a kick-off event that was held from January 30 to February 1 for the German-African COINS project. COINS (Co-developing innovations for sustainable land management in West African smallholder farming systems) has the goal of enabling, establishing, and supporting the sustainable intensification of food production in Africa.
Iceberg the size of Greater London
January 25, 2023
An iceberg the size of Greater London (ca. 1500 km²) has calved from the Brunt ice shelf in Antarctica’s Weddell Sea. The break was anticipated; the evolution of the associated crack structures has been monitored for many years with the help of radar satellites. Already in 2016/2017 the British Antarctic Survey’s Halley Research Station was moved from the location of the new iceberg to a site further inland on the ice shelf.
New data platform to host Copernicus Earth observation data
January 24, 2023
Remote sensing data reveals the state of our planet and allows us to look into Earth's past: it is an indispensable tool to help us better understand and protect our planet. How can we secure this tool long term while providing continuous access? The European Copernicus Earth observation programme seeks to answer this question. On 24 January 2023, the 'Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem' was presented at the European Space Conference in Brussels. In the coming months, this new data ecosystem will replace all previous channels and make all Copernicus data and data products available via a single platform. The available data services will also be expanded. The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is part of the European consortium that was recently awarded the contract for this large-scale project.
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