All Things Policy Digital Sentinels: The Need for Domestic Geospatial Intelligence
Aug 12, 2025
In this discussion, Y. Nithiyanandam, a leading expert in geospatial research, emphasizes the crucial role of high-resolution satellite imagery in assessing conflict impacts and national security. He outlines vulnerabilities posed by foreign imagery providers and advocates for India's accelerated development of indigenous satellite capabilities. The conversation also highlights the competitive landscape in geospatial intelligence, the importance of data accuracy, and how enhanced imaging and AI can empower decision-making and innovation in an increasingly satellite-dependent world.
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What High Resolution Means
- High-resolution satellite imagery resolves individual objects like cars or roof tiles, typically near one metre or better.
- Remote sensing also includes moderate and coarse sensors suited to area-level analysis.
Four Dimensions Of Resolution
- Remote sensing has four resolution dimensions: spatial, spectral, temporal and radiometric.
- Pick sensors based on which resolution matters for the question you want to answer.
Open Versus Commercial Imagery
- Open imagery typically comes as large scenes downloadable for free while commercial imagery is sold as smaller taskable tiles.
- Commercial providers offer targeted, on‑demand views and archives at a price and with faster turnarounds.