Space Shift and WHERE Collaborate on Rapid Damage Assessment Using SAR Satellite Data

Enhancing Disaster Response with Satellite Technology

In a groundbreaking initiative from Space Shift, a Tokyo-based company focusing on satellite data analytics, in collaboration with the tech startup WHERE, the two organizations are launching a pilot project aimed at improving the speed and accuracy of building damage assessments following significant natural disasters. This initiative leverages Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite data and aligns with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Project PLATEAU, a substantial urban digital twin initiative.

The Need for Enhanced Damage Assessment

Japan's geographical landscape is susceptible to various natural disasters, including earthquakes and heavy rainfall. The recent Noto Peninsula earthquake underscored the immediate need for reliable and comprehensive information systems to assist in damage assessments right after such calamities. One of the critical challenges faced during these times is the lack of rapid access to accurate damage data, which can hinder emergency response activities, including issuing disaster certificates, distributing aid supplies, and setting up temporary housing.

In the realm of private property businesses, there’s a strong demand for prompt reconnaissance of property damage statuses post-disaster, particularly in aiding clients and dealing with affected real estate transactions. Therefore, the collaboration between Space Shift and WHERE aims to create a unified system that streamlines the assessment of damage using real-time satellite data and robust urban modeling.

Project Overview

The pilot project will combine large SAR satellite data with smaller SAR satellite information to build a system capable of precisely estimating damage on a building-by-building basis shortly after a disaster occurrence. For this endeavor, parts of Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture, which suffered extensive losses during the January 2024 earthquake, will serve as a test area. By referencing a 3D urban model along with the road network, the system will assess the extent of building damage and road usability, facilitating an efficient response for administrative and commercial entities.

Collaborative Background

Both companies have a history of employing satellite data and urban spatial information for solving societal issues. WHERE recently earned second place in the NEDO Challenge 2024 for developing a climate resilience framework using satellite data. Furthermore, they were selected for support under the urban information digital infrastructure project by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Space Shift also received the PLATEAU Award 2024 for effectively combining 3D urban models with SAR satellite analytics in the disaster sector.

The synergy expected from this collaboration is poised to enhance both organizations' efforts in disaster response and recovery. With a unified approach that maximally harnesses their expertise, the project will facilitate a transformative shift in how damage assessments are conducted.

Future Developments

While the pilot is set to take place within the current year, plans for extending the system's capabilities to a broader market will commence by 2026. Companies with substantial property holdings across Japan will be the target for offering this data-driven service. Moreover, any data obtained during this initiative will be provided free of charge to affected municipalities, aligning with the overarching goal to position satellite data as a foundational tool for disaster management.

Both Space Shift and WHERE are steadfast in driving forward their vision to instill a society where satellite technology is at the core of disaster risk management, ultimately leading to improved societal resilience.

Company Overview

Space Shift, Inc.

Founded in December 2009, Space Shift (株式会社スペースシフト) aims to recognize various changes on Earth from orbit. The company specializes in developing software that analyzes earth observation satellite data through AI, striving to foster sustainable societies by applying satellite technology across infrastructure management, disaster risk reduction, agricultural monitoring, and environmental protection.

- Headquarters: 1-6-1 Otemachi Building 6F, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- CEO: Naruo Kanemoto
- Website: Space Shift

WHERE, Inc.

Established in February 2022, WHERE (株式会社WHERE) is a JAXA-origin startup aiming to transform the real estate market using space technology. Founders have prior experience in launching multiple real estate companies. WHERE has developed an AI tool that connects landowners with off-market listings using satellite data, expanding partnerships across various sectors.