Nowadays, with increasingly advanced technology, it is possible to have access to accurate and updated information about your region, through applications to monitor your city via satellite. Those who provide information on various areas, such as traffic, climate, environment and even public safety.
These apps are also very useful for public managers, as they allow the visualization of problematic areas, such as flooding points or garbage accumulation, making it easier to identify problems and take measures to solve them. In addition, they can also be used to monitor areas of environmental preservation and prevent natural disasters.
With increasing urbanization and the increase in population in cities, it is important to always be aware of the changes happening around you. With satellite monitoring applications, residents can become more aware and engaged with the environment, safety and well-being of the community in which they live. And today you will know which are the best there are. Let’s go!
Real-time Satellite monitoring application
The technology behind live satellite apps is based on remote sensing systems, which allow capturing images and data from satellites in orbit around the Earth. This data is processed and analyzed by advanced algorithms, which transform the information obtained into maps, graphs and other visualizations that can be accessed by the users of the applications. Among the main ones we can mention:
- EarthViewer
- Bing Maps
- Google Earth
- Mapillary
- Google Maps
- Zoom Earth
- Satellite Earth map live
01. EarthViewer
EarthViewer is a real-time satellite monitoring application developed by NASA. It provides users with a real-time view of planet Earth, allowing them to monitor weather events, human and environmental activities, among other things.
The app also offers interactive features, such as the ability to overlay satellite images and view historical data. EarthViewer is a valuable tool both for the general public and for public managers and researchers, as it offers accurate and up-to-date information about our planet.
02. Bing Maps
Bing Maps is an online map application developed by Microsoft that allows you to view maps, routes and directions to destinations around the world. The application offers features such as satellite imagery, 3D visualization, real-time traffic, public transport information, local business information, as well as integration with Microsoft Virtual Earth. The app also has an API (Application Programming Interface) that allows the service to be integrated into other apps and websites.
03. Google Earth
Google Earth is a 3D map and satellite image viewing application developed by Google. The app lets you explore the world from different perspectives, including street views, 3D buildings, and high-resolution satellite images. It also has additional features, such as information about points of interest, demographic and historical data, as well as integration with other Google services, such as Google Maps and Google Street View. It is available on multiple platforms including desktops, mobile devices and web browsers.
04. Mapillary
Mapillary is a collaborative mapping application that allows users to capture and share images of streets and locations around the world. It uses computer vision technology to identify and extract useful information from images such as location, direction and traffic information. The app’s goal is to create a visual map of the world, powered by input from the user community. It is available on multiple platforms.
05. Google Maps
Google Maps is a mapping and navigation application developed by Google that allows you to view maps, routes and directions to destinations around the world. The app offers features such as satellite imagery, 3D visualization, real-time traffic information, public transport information, local business information, as well as integration with Google Street View and Google Earth. It also has an API (Application Programming Interface) that allows the service to be integrated into other applications and websites.
06. Zoom Earth
Zoom Earth is a real-time map and satellite image viewing application. The app lets you explore the world from different perspectives, including viewing clouds, storms, forest fires, and other weather information in real time. It also offers additional features such as viewing traffic data and information about current events such as earthquakes and hurricanes. It is a useful tool for scientists, meteorologists and others who need to monitor weather conditions in real time.
07. Live Satellite Earth map
Live Satellite Earth Map is an application that allows users to view real-time satellite images of different parts of the world. The application uses remote sensing technology to provide updated high resolution images in real time. You also have additional tools, such as location information and real-time traffic data. Live Earth Satellite Map is available on multiple platforms including desktops and mobile and is useful for people who want to monitor weather conditions and other events in real time.
Different types of Satellites
Satellites are artificial devices that orbit the Earth for various purposes. There are different types, each with specific functions and among the main ones are communication, navigation, Earth observation, scientific and military.
communication satellites
Communications satellites are used to transmit radio and television signals, as well as provide internet and telephony services.
Navigation Satellites
Navigation satellites, such as GPS, are used to determine the location and trajectory of moving objects.
Earth observation satellites
They are designed to monitor the surface of the planet, collecting information about climate, oceans, agriculture, natural disasters, among others.
scientific satellites
In turn, they are used to study the universe, collecting information about planets, stars and other celestial bodies.
military satellites
They are employed for defense and national security purposes, monitoring the activities of other nations and detecting threats. Each type of satellite is essential for different areas, and its use has been increasingly widespread throughout the world.
What are the main satellites in the world?
As we have seen, many of the existing satellites are important for different areas, such as communications, Earth observation, science and technology. Below, I list some of the main satellites currently in orbit and their names:
- DSP
- GPS
- Earth
- Brasilsat B
- Inmarsat 3
- Meteosat
- Landsat 7
DSP
The Defense Support Program (DSP) is an early warning satellite system developed and operated by the United States to detect and track ballistic missiles around the world. The system comprises a constellation of satellites in geostationary orbit equipped with infrared sensors to detect the heat emitted by missile engines during launch.
It is a crucial part of the US missile defense system and provides early warning of potential enemy attacks, allowing the armed forces to respond quickly and effectively. The DSP program began in the 1960s and continues to be refined and updated to meet the national security needs of the United States.
GPS
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite navigation system developed by the United States to provide accurate positioning and navigation anywhere in the world. It consists of a network of more than 30 satellites in orbit, plus ground stations and GPS receivers in mobile devices, vehicles and aircraft.
It also provides accurate location, speed and direction information and is widely used in various applications such as marine and air navigation, transportation systems, emergency services, vehicle monitoring and general geopositioning. The satellite is maintained by the United States government, but can be used by anyone around the world who has a GPS receiver.
Earth
Terra is an Earth observation satellite launched by NASA in 1999. It is part of the Earth Observing System (EOS) program and is designed to collect information about the planet’s climate, atmosphere, land surface, geology, and biology. The satellite orbits the planet every 99 minutes and has five instruments on board that capture high-resolution images, as well as data on temperature, humidity, vegetation and other environmental parameters.
The information collected by Terra is used to improve understanding of the planet and help in decision-making on environmental issues such as climate change, natural disasters and biodiversity conservation. It is an important tool for scientists studying the globe and its environment, providing critical information for researching and monitoring global environmental issues.
Brasilsat B
Brasilsat B is a Brazilian communication satellite, developed by the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) in partnership with Telebras and launched in 1985. It was the second satellite in the Brasilsat series and was designed to provide telecommunications services to Brazil and countries in South America. The satellite is equipped with 24 transponders in the C band and 12 transponders in the Ku band, allowing the transmission of voice, data, television and other communication services throughout Brazil and in some countries in the region.
The satellite operated successfully for over 20 years, being taken out of service in 2007 and was an important part of the Brazilian space program and helped to expand access to communications across the country and the South American region.
Inmarsat 3
Inmarsat 3 is a series of geosynchronous communications satellites launched by Inmarsat, a British satellite communications company, between 1996 and 1999. They were designed to provide voice, data and fax communication services around the world, including remote regions. and maritime areas.
The Inmarsat 3 series satellites are equipped with high gain antennas that allow the transmission of signals to mobile devices and communication terminals in remote areas, in addition to providing global mobile telephone services and emergency communications.
This project was a major improvement over previous Inmarsat satellites, offering greater data and voice transmission capacity and helping to connect people around the world. Today, the satellite continues to operate and launch new satellites to offer communication services around the world.
Meteosat
Meteosat is a series of geostationary weather satellites operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) in partnership with the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). The first satellite of this system was launched in 1977 and since then, several generations of satellites of the series have been launched.
The satellites in this system are designed to provide near real-time weather information for Europe, Africa and parts of South America and Asia. They are positioned in geostationary orbit at an altitude of 36,000 km and provide high-resolution images every 15 minutes. The images provided are used for weather forecasting, storm monitoring, natural disaster prevention and weather observation.
In addition, Meteosat also collects data on sea surface temperature, air humidity, winds, pollution and other meteorological parameters, helping to improve understanding of global climate and long-term weather forecasting. It is an important part of Europe’s Earth observation system and has been instrumental in weather forecasting and climate monitoring around the world.
Landsat 7
Landsat 7 is an Earth observation satellite operated by NASA and launched in 1999. It is the successor to Landsat 6 and is part of the Landsat series, one of the oldest and most reliable sources of Earth observation data in the world. It orbits Earth at an altitude of 705 km and takes about 16 days to complete an orbit.
This satellite is equipped with an onboard image sensor known as the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), which is capable of capturing high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface in various spectral ranges, including visible, infrared and thermal. The captured images are used to monitor land use, vegetation, water, atmosphere and climate change.
It is an important tool for scientists studying the Earth and its environment, providing critical information for researching and monitoring global environmental issues. Unfortunately, in 2003, the satellite suffered a technical problem that affected the quality of the images, but it still remains an important source of data for observing the planet.
Earth’s most important satellite
It is not possible to define a single satellite as the most important on Earth, as there are many satellites that are essential for different areas such as communications, Earth observation, navigation and science. Therefore, each one is perfectly useful and functional within its area of operation.
And after having accompanied this valuable information and having known the main applications to monitor your city via satellite, we hope that your knowledge has been enriched. If you have any doubts, leave a comment below.