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All CollectionsUsing satellite data for vessel detections and to support operations
Understanding types of satellite data acquisitions Starboard can ingest
Understanding types of satellite data acquisitions Starboard can ingest
Moritz Lehmann avatar
Written by Moritz Lehmann
Updated over 3 years ago

Starboard can ingest and detect vessels using a range of satellite data sources for vessel detection and environmental monitoring.

We combine these satellite data sources with Automatic Identification System (AIS) data to identify dark vessels.

Available satellite data collection methods:

Sources of satellite data

How it works

AIS

Automatic Identification System

Capturing vessel transponder information

RF

Radio Frequency

Measuring RF emissions from vessels’ navigational radars

SAR

Synthetic Aperture Radar

Backscatter (echoes) from metallic objects

VIIRS DNB

Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite Day-Night Band

Detection of low-light-level sources (i.e. general lights and lights used for fishing on vessels)

Optical

Optical imaging

Images of the surface across the visual and infrared spectrum

The satellite data collection methods vary in terms of coverage, detection probability, cost and latency. Detections and information from your on-water and aerial assets can also be ingested.

Our science team works with customers to recommend the most appropriate data types, suppliers and manage the tasking of satellites.

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