The Department of Environment and Natural Resources' Geospatial Database Office (DENR-GDO) partnered with Geospectrum and Planet Labs PBC for a workshop titled "S.E.E.D.ing the future: Synergizing Earth & Environmental Data for a Sustainable Future." Held on May 27, 2024, at the DENR Building in Quezon City, the event explored innovative approaches to environmental monitoring using advanced technologies.

A group photo from DENR workshop featuring in the middle USEC CP David, (right) Mr. Virgilio Santos, the General Manager of Geospectrum Marketing Services, and speakers from Planet (left) Shih Shen Wong, and (2nd from right) Partha Pratim Ghosh.

Setting the Stage for Innovation

Ms. Agatha Bedi from the GDO opened the workshop with inspiring words, highlighting the importance of exploring new methods for environmental monitoring.

Photo of Mr. Virgilio Santos, General Manager of Geospectrum Marketing Services, during the program's opening.

Seeing is Believing: How Satellite Tech Tackles Environmental Challenges

Planet Labs is a leading satellite provider, known for its cutting-edge satellite imagery and data services. With a mission to image the entire Earth every day, Planet Labs offers unparalleled access to high-resolution satellite data, empowering businesses, governments, and researchers to make informed decisions based on real-time information.

During a recent event, Mr. Shih Shen Wong, Public Sector Sales Lead for Planet Labs, showcased the exciting capabilities of Planet, highlighting it as a powerful tool for environmental observation. Emphasizing the importance of data visibility, he quoted, "You can't fix what you can't see." His presentation delved into the benefits of high-resolution satellite technology with frequent revisits, providing attendees with real-world examples in areas like mining monitoring, emergency response, and water resource management.

Empowering with Knowledge

Mr. Partha Pratim Ghosh from Planet equipped participants with practical skills. He shared his expertise on using Planet API keys and Python scripts to efficiently download environmental data. He also demonstrated the Planet tasking dashboard, guiding participants through creating areas of interest and downloading Skysat imagery. This takeaway empowers participants to leverage Planet's capabilities in their own environmental work.

Photo of Mr. Partha Pratim Ghosh demonstrating the Planet Dashboard.

Planet Labs' innovative approach and state-of-the-art technology are transforming the way we understand and interact with our environment, proving to be an invaluable resource across various industries.

Ms. Roja Guia Bati-on showcased groundbreaking projects from the GDO, demonstrating real-world applications of Earth observation data in tackling environmental challenges. She highlighted several projects and some utilized Planet satellite imagery, showcasing its effectiveness in monitoring and addressing critical environmental issues. Through these examples, the audience gained insight into how advanced satellite technology can be leveraged for sustainable development and environmental protection.

Building a Sustainable Future Together

The workshop concluded with impactful closing remarks by USEC CP David of the Geospatial Database Office. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and exploration of these powerful tools to build a more sustainable future.

Let's continue cultivating a greener tomorrow!