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SEPA launch innovative Satellite Emergency Mapping Service to boost environmental crisis response

The service, unveiled at the inaugural Space-Comm Expo in Glasgow, promises to revolutionise the way Scotland responds to emergencies such as floods, wildfires, landslides, and oil spills.

SEMS uses state-of-the-art satellite imaging technology to deliver real-time, high-resolution data and insights that will enhance decision-making capabilities and enable faster, more efficient response efforts when disasters strike, offering a significant boost to Scotland’s resilience against natural and human-made disasters. SEMS is available to all responders in Scotland and operates 365 days a year with an on-call provision available 24 hours a day.

The new service forms part of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters, a global network of over 270 satellites from 17 Charter members around the world, working to support disaster relief. SEPA are the only organisation in Scotland able to activate the Charter and give emergency responders access to critical satellite imagery. This allows them to assess the full scope of damage, find critical hotspots, and prioritise areas for intervention - even in areas where weather or hazardous conditions make ground assessments impossible.

The service will also contribute to future crisis preparedness, using baseline data collected by satellites to model potential scenarios, inform long-term resilience planning, and develop more effective response strategies.

SEPA's leadership in space and environmental protection

Claire Neil, Principal Scientist at SEPA, said:

"SEPA are proud to lead this initiative, which will not only save lives and protect critical infrastructure, but also mitigate environmental damages during crises. Our work is testament to the importance of collaboration across sectors to safeguard our environment.

"The ability to access stable, consistent, near real-time data from space adds an unprecedented layer of precision to our efforts in managing environmental risks. The technology’s potential for both immediate crisis management and long-term planning is immense. We look forward to working with our partners, in what is a cost-effective service for the public sector for safeguarding our environment and our communities."

SEPA’s initiative is a significant milestone for Scotland’s growing space industry. By embracing advanced satellite technologies, the agency are positioning Scotland as a leader in environmental protection and space technology. This launch underscores the Scottish Government’s commitment to fostering the country’s space sector while addressing urgent environmental challenges at home and abroad.  

Sarah-Jane Gill, Chief of Staff at the UK Space Agency, said:

"For the UK Space Agency, the development and launch of SEMS is a perfect example of how space technology can be used for disaster risk reduction and to support public services. There are several international tools for satellite data, mapping and analysis in emergencies, but it is when these tools are integrated into operational services, like SEPA have done with SEMS, that they become most powerful.

"Scotland has a fast-growing space sector that is key to the UK’s overall ambitions. As SEPA are demonstrating, innovations in this sector can help address environmental and climate challenges, safeguard communities and infrastructure, and benefit citizens across the country."

Driving innovation in environmental crisis management

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: 

"Scotland is not only well placed to reap huge economic benefits from the growth of our space sector, but to harness the technology as a tremendous force for good across a range of important services and applications.

"The launch of SEPA’s ground-breaking Satellite Emergency Mapping service is the perfect example of how we can innovate, collaborate and deliver cutting-edge solutions to some of the most serious and significant challenges of our time."

Analysing the data

Key to the success of this new service is a collaboration with the University of Stirling, which has developed sophisticated methods to analyse satellite data, particularly in monitoring flood and fire events.

Professor Peter Hunter of the University of Stirling commented:

"The University of Stirling are delighted to be partnering with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) on the newly launched Satellite Emergency Monitoring Service. Our innovative flood mapping service will provide near-time intelligence on the extent of flood waters to support the emergency responders ultimately helping to protect both critical infrastructure and human life."

Mark Cleland, Group Commander at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Innovation is one of the core values of our fire service.
 
"We're extremely interested to see how new technologies can improve the safety of communities and our staff, enhance resilience and potentially save lives during environmental emergencies."

Notes to Editor

• The Scottish space industry is one of the fastest growing in Europe, home to over 150 space companies employing over 8,000 people in high quality jobs.
• Glasgow designs and builds more small satellites than anywhere outside of California and Scotland is home to five spaceports aiming to be a strategic launchpad for the northern hemisphere.
• Images are available upon request. Please email media@sepa.org.uk.