Scotland launches satellite emergency mapping service to enhance disaster response
Iain Hoey
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University of Stirling scientists develop new flood mapping technology
As reported by The University of Stirling, a new satellite-based emergency mapping service has been launched to improve disaster response across Scotland.
The Satellite Emergency Mapping Service (SEMS), developed by scientists at the University of Stirling in collaboration with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), was unveiled at the Space-Comm Expo in Glasgow on 11 September.
The service will provide real-time, high-resolution satellite imagery to emergency responders to help them manage environmental crises such as floods, wildfires, landslides, and oil spills.
Professor Peter Hunter, Director of the Forth-ERA Digital Environmental Observatory, said: “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.”
SEMS technology provides real-time data to responders
The SEMS service operates using advanced satellite imaging technology, offering near real-time, high-resolution data to support emergency response.
This allows first responders to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently during environmental emergencies.
Dr Armando Marino, Associate Professor in Earth Observation, explained: “We have used state-of-the-art methods, including artificial intelligence, to develop a sophisticated approach to mapping flood waters from space.
“Our system uses data from a range of radar satellites that can penetrate clouds to provide detailed maps of floods as they happen.”
The SEMS service is available to all responders in Scotland, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing continuous monitoring capabilities.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service embraces new technology
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has expressed strong interest in SEMS.
The Group Commander, Mark Cleland, highlighted the importance of adopting new technologies for disaster response: “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.”
SEMS will play a crucial role in enabling faster and more accurate assessments of emergencies, especially when weather or hazardous conditions prevent ground-based evaluations.
International collaboration for disaster relief
SEMS is part of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters, a network of over 270 satellites from 17 Charter members globally.
SEPA is the only Scottish organisation that can activate the Charter, giving emergency responders access to critical satellite data to assess the scope of damage and prioritise response efforts.
The system also contributes to long-term crisis preparedness, allowing for the use of satellite-collected baseline data to model future scenarios and plan more effective response strategies.
Claire Neil, Principal Scientist at SEPA, noted: “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.”
Scotland’s space industry takes a step forward
The SEMS initiative is seen as a milestone in Scotland’s space sector, emphasising the country’s growing role in integrating space technology into public services.
The UK Space Agency, represented by Chief of Staff Sarah-Jane Gill, praised the project, saying: “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.”
Business Minister Richard Lochhead also recognised the importance of SEMS during the Space-Comm Expo: “The launch of SEPA’s 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 challenges of our time.”
Scotland launches satellite emergency mapping service: Summary
The University of Stirling, in partnership with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), has launched the Satellite Emergency Mapping Service (SEMS), a satellite-based system providing real-time data for managing environmental crises in Scotland.
Unveiled at the Space-Comm Expo in Glasgow on 11 September, SEMS uses satellite imaging to aid responders in dealing with floods, wildfires, landslides, and other disasters.
The service is available year-round, providing near real-time intelligence to responders.
SEMS is part of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters and has been endorsed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the UK Space Agency for its potential to enhance disaster response and planning.
