The government of Bahrain’s Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB) has partnered with Aetosky (formerly known as SkyMap Global) and Planet to revolutionize urban planning across the nation. Utilizing SkySat’s 50 cm high-resolution satellite imagery, this collaboration has launched an advanced urban planning system that covers 850 sq kilometers, improving municipal operations and environmental monitoring.
This cutting-edge system integrates Planet’s detailed satellite data with Aetosky’s Change Detection Analysis technology to monitor urban changes such as building modifications, rooftop alterations, and shifts in vegetation and water bodies. The innovative use of AI-enabled change detection has significantly increased the efficiency of building permit validation by local authorities, setting a new standard in urban management.
Will Marshall, CEO and co-founder of Planet, commented, “The Kingdom of Bahrain is at the forefront of adopting smart city technologies by leveraging satellite data and AI. This project demonstrates the potential of smart change detection systems to streamline government projects, saving time and resources. We are excited to assist other countries in adopting similar technologies.”
The SLRB now receives biweekly updates, which helps in the ongoing tracking and analysis of urban development, infrastructure changes, and environmental alterations, including greenspaces and coastal activities. The newly implemented system utilizes proprietary data cube technology for managing spatial-temporal datasets, which significantly cuts down on monitoring times, identifies new activities, and optimizes resource allocation.
H.E Eng. Basim Yacob Alhamer, President of the SLRB, stated, “This advanced technology is a milestone in our commitment to sustainable development and intelligent urban management. It enhances our capabilities to monitor and manage changes across Bahrain with unprecedented speed and accuracy, supporting the development of smart cities, sustainable agriculture, and proactive environmental protection.”
The change detection system supports the SLRB in becoming a centralized data hub for various government departments, leveraging continuous satellite imagery to enhance environmental monitoring, transportation planning, and municipal responses. This initiative not only aligns with smart city principles but also promotes sustainable growth, optimizes city functionality, and supports informed policymaking.