SSTL x RHCC Feasibility Study on The Use of Geospatial Technology for Predictive Analysis of Natural Disasters

SSTL x Changi RHCC Feasibility Study
The Use of Geospatial Technology for Predictive Analytics of Natural Disasters

Objective

This year, Singapore Space & Technology Limited (SSTL) will be partnering Changi RHCC on a 12-month feasibility study to assess the use of geospatial imagery and downstream data processing and modelling capabilities such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for the development of accurate and reliable predictive analytics for natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunamis, typhoons and volcanoes.

Background

In 2019, an estimated US$86.5 billion were lost to natural disasters in Southeast Asia. A recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change has called out Southeast Asia as one of the planet’s most vulnerable regions to climate change, with rising sea levels, heat waves, drought and more intense and frequent bouts of rain known as “rain bombs”.

In addition, Southeast Asia is very vulnerable to the effects of climate change because a large proportion of the population and economic activity is concentrated along coastlines; the region is heavily reliant on agriculture for livelihoods; there is a high dependence on natural resources and forestry; and the level of extreme poverty remains high.

Changi RHCC was set up in 2014 to be the military-to-military coordination centre for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), coordinating assistance provided by foreign militaries to support disaster management efforts in ASEAN. While the current approach to most humanitarian emergencies is reactive in nature, Changi RHCC hopes to leverage innovative technologies to improve early monitoring and tracking capabilities to enable a more pre-emptive approach to disaster management, which would result in a significant reduction in human casualties and costs of damages and recovery efforts.

SSTL is partnering Changi RHCC to embark on Asia’s first feasibility study to leverage advanced space technology for predictive analytics for natural disasters. This joint 12-month feasibility study brings Changi RHCC’s critical role in ASEAN’s disaster management agenda together with SSTL’s deep experience in synthesizing new deep tech solutions by bringing different technology players across both startups and multi-nationals alike.

Problem Statement

Propose the design of a Geographic Information System (GIS) for Southeast Asia using satellite data, AI and ML for real time predictive analytics for natural disasters in the region focusing on Earthquakes, Fires, Floods, Tsunamis, Typhoons and Volcanoes, and predictive damage impact visualizations, to develop autonomous warning systems for timely intervention.

Curate satellite data and knowledge database of past data about natural disasters focusing on Earthquakes, Fires, Floods, Tsunamis, Typhoons and Volcanoes
Conduct in-real time predictive analysis using AI on the extent of potential damage caused by the above-mentioned impending natural disasters using the satellite data and past data
Display predictive damage impact visualizations with sensitivity analysis
Update the data base and analytics as new data from future disasters are collected post catastrophe
Distribute warnings autonomously (without human intervention) based on the analysis as a preliminary warning system in real time to HADR agencies for timely interventions. (OPTIONAL)