NICFI Satellite Data Program Extended to Include Recipients of the GEO-Microsoft Planetary Computer Grants Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Planet has partnered with Microsoft to provide high-resolution tropical forest Basemaps to select researchers through the NICFI Satellite Data Program. This initiative, announced during the FOSS4G conference in Buenos Aires, aims to tackle environmental challenges, specifically deforestation. Successful applicants will receive financial support and technical resources for 12-month projects utilizing these data. The collaboration signals a significant step in leveraging satellite imagery for conservation efforts, as Planet prepares for its upcoming merger with dMY Technology Group (NYSE:DMYQ).

Positive

• Partnership with Microsoft to enhance research capabilities using satellite data.
• Financial support of up to $60,000 for 12-month projects focused on deforestation.
• Access to high-resolution imagery through the Planetary Computer platform.

Negative

• None.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Planet, a leading provider of daily data and insights about Earth, in an effort to advance scientific research, development, and discovery from the NICFI Satellite Data Program, announced today it has teamed up with Microsoft to make high-resolution, tropical forest Basemaps available to select researchers within the Planetary Computer platform. The Group on Earth Observations (GEO), in partnership with Microsoft, today announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) from scientists looking to bring the power of Microsoft’s Planetary Computer to Planet’s high-resolution imagery to help reduce and reverse tropical forest loss. Planet recently entered into a definitive merger agreement with dMY Technology Group, Inc. IV (NYSE:DMYQ), a special purpose acquisition company, to become a publicly-traded company later this year.

Announced at the FOSS4G conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the GEO-Microsoft Planetary Computer RFP will support a number of 12-month projects that use the NICFI Satellite Data and the Planetary Computer to address environmental challenges. Successful applicants will receive access to the NICFI Satellite Data within the Planetary Computer platform, up to $60,000 in financial support for 12 months, up to $60,000 in Microsoft Azure credits, and technical advice and support. To submit a proposal and view the RFP click here.

The projects will be developed and scaled using Microsoft Azure cloud services and the Microsoft Planetary Computer. All project deliverables will be made publicly available to enable global researchers to share insights and work together towards addressing the global challenges of deforestation and climate change.

“The unprecedented scale of high-resolution data being made available through the NICFI program – along with the computational power provided by the Planetary Computer – will enable the conservation community to explore completely new questions about the state of Earth’s forests, and to develop novel approaches to deforestation monitoring that are urgently needed,” said Dan Morris, Principal Scientist with Microsoft’s AI for Earth Program.

In September 2020, Norway’s Ministry of Climate and Environment awarded an international contract to Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), who, in partnership with Planet and Airbus, have since been providing universal access to high-resolution satellite monitoring of the tropics to support efforts to stop deforestation and save the world’s tropical forests. To learn more about the NICFI Satellite Data Program.

About Planet

Planet is the leading provider of global, daily satellite imagery and geospatial solutions. Planet is driven by a mission to image the world every day, and make change visible, accessible and actionable. Founded in 2010 by three NASA scientists, Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest Earth observation fleet of imaging satellites, capturing and compiling data from over 3 million images per day. Planet provides mission-critical data, advanced insights, and software solutions to over 600 customers, comprised of the world’s leading agriculture, forestry, intelligence, education and finance companies and government agencies, enabling users to simply and effectively derive unique value from satellite imagery. Planet recently entered into a definitive merger agreement with dMY Technology Group, Inc. IV (NYSE:DMYQ), a special purpose acquisition company, to become a publicly-traded company. To learn more visit www.planet.com and follow us on Twitter at @planet.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210927005740/en/

Press Contacts



Trevor Hammond

comms@planet.com



John Christiansen/Cassandra Bujarski

Sard Verbinnen & Co

Planet-SVC@sardverb.com

Source: Planet

FAQ

What is the partnership between Planet and Microsoft about?

Planet and Microsoft have partnered to provide high-resolution tropical forest Basemaps to researchers, utilizing the NICFI Satellite Data Program.

What is the NICFI Satellite Data Program?

The NICFI Satellite Data Program aims to provide universal access to high-resolution satellite monitoring to address deforestation.

When will Planet go public?

Planet is set to become a publicly-traded company later this year following its merger with dMY Technology Group (NYSE:DMYQ).

What financial support is available through the GEO-Microsoft Planetary Computer RFP?

Successful applicants can receive up to $60,000 in financial support for projects utilizing NICFI Satellite Data.

Where was the collaboration between Planet and Microsoft announced?

The partnership was announced at the FOSS4G conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina.