Pléiades Acquires Two Images in 24 Hours to Track Fires in Australia
The Pléiades constellation was tasked for the first time in daily revisit mode to track the fires in Yerriyong State Forest, 100 kilometers east of Canberra, Australia.
Pleiades Satellite Image - Yerriyong State Forest, Australia on January 15 & 16, 2013
The Pléiades 1B image acquired January 15th shows the extent of the fire that has burnt through 66,200 hectares of forest. The fire is under control and no new fires have started. However, 24 hours later a new image collected by Pléiades 1A highlights at least 4 new active fire areas in the south, reignited by searing hot temperatures.
Pléiades 1B Image - 15/01/2013
Pléiades 1A Image - 16/01/2013
Using Pléiades very high-resolution multispectral imagery, photo-interpreters were able to determine the extent of the fire damage to vegetation, croplands and buildings.
Damage Mapping - Pléiades Satellite Image on January 16, 2013
Damage Mapping - Pléiades Satellite Image
Yerriyong State Forest Australia
The twin Pléiades satellites operate as a constellation in the same orbit, phased 180°. This unique configuration enables daily revisits to any point on the globe, a very useful capability for tracking the evolution of a crisis or natural disaster.
The two satellites were tasked by CNES, with Pléiades 1B still undergoing in-orbit testing. The images of January 15th and 16th were produced and interpreted by teams at Astrium Services.
