Example projects
Read about some of our projects, where we benefit society and the economy by helping researchers, students and industry drive innovation.
You can also discover how we are engaging with a range of businesses and industry on our research web pages.
Ecometrica: Mapping water footprint of crops
Professor Mat Williams
The Ecometrica water footprint application offers commercial clients an easy and intuitive solution to calculate their water footprint, by integrating readily available open satellite data and a process model. This business-led innovation is a collaboration between Ecometrica and the University of Edinburgh, funded by The Data Lab.
Health and equity impacts of climate change mitigation measures on indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure (HEICCAM)
Professor Ruth Doherty
Researchers at the University’s School of GeoSciences have been awarded funding to create a network to help tackle air pollution. The network will strengthen evidence to optimise the health and equity impacts of changes in air pollution at the indoor/outdoor interface as we transition to a low carbon future.
LTS International Ltd & The World Bank: Satellite monitoring for forest management
Dr Casey Ryan
The World Bank’s new Satellite Monitoring for Forest Management (SMFM) project will develop satellite Earth Observation methods and global knowledge to address challenges related to monitoring tropical dry forest ecosystems and forest degradation assessment.
Ecometrica: Laser drones protect Scottish forests
Professor Ed Mitchard
Laser-carrying drones that can see through the forest canopy are being used to protect native Scottish plants threatened by invasive species. Led by Edinburgh-based company Ecometric and partnered with the Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Orienteering, Woodland Trust and Edinburgh University.
Infrastructure Resilience: Strategies for change detection and surface movement through satellite technology
Professor Simon Mudd
The FORESEE project is working to provide short and long term resilience schemes for rail and road corridors and logistics terminals that are able to reduce the magnitude and/or duration of disruptive events produced by humans or the nature.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): global stress index map
Professor Iain Woodhouse
The collaboration with UNEP – which also involves Google – is led by academics from the University of Edinburgh’s School of GeoSciences and start-up company Earth Blox, which was founded by University staff and alumni. The collaboration is working to develop an early warning system to spot where climate change could impact areas already affected by conflict or natural disasters. The tool – known as the Environmental and Climate Stress Index (ECSI) – will use satellite data and cloud computing to provide a fast, accurate way of identifying environmental and climate hotspots. It will be available to more than 130 countries through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Trade in Space : Satellite-brokered, end-to-end coffee trade
Professor Mat Williams
Trade in Space Fuse satellite generated data into contracts for supply of agricultural goods.
Want to know more?
You can also find out more about our work in space and satellite technology and the energy sector under 'impact, innovation and engagement' on our website.
Transforming the energy sector
We are leading the future development of technologies that will decarbonise the energy supply industry and enable the responsible management of our natural resources.
Transforming the energy sector
Space and satellite technology
Our innovative research in satellite observation and data modelling is making a difference from helping local environments and economies to informing national and international policies. We are monitoring environmental impacts, extreme weather and tackling climate change.