May 20, 2020
How UP42 is Helping Institutions Combat COVID-19 Using Geospatial Data
BCGDV portfolio venture UP42 is offering free access for those working on initiatives related to the COVID-19 crisis
DV portfolio venture UP42 has been considering ways in which it can make a meaningful difference following the COVID-19 crisis.
The geospatial platform and marketplace is offering free access for nonprofits, universities, and governments working on initiatives related to COVID-19. UP42’s Nikita Marwaha shares more below.
With the COVID-19 crisis bringing much of the planet to a standstill, we know that many organizations are facing huge challenges to assess the impact and respond. Geospatial data can help.
By opening up access to our marketplace of Earth data and analytics for free, we hope to support those working on developing and deploying projects dedicated to the COVID-19 response to achieve their goals.
How can geospatial data help?
Geospatial data and information can be crucial to the impact and recovery process of the current crisis. Using it, we can remotely explore the effect of COVID-19’s on industries such as agriculture, aviation, manufacturing, and transport. For instance, looking at port activity provides insight into the impact of COVID-19 on the shipping industry and global supply chains. Similarly, environmental data collected by satellites sheds light on environmental indicators such as fluctuating pollution levels across the globe.
Data is crucial in supporting decision-making activities. Comparing geospatial data with statistical information, for example, ensures that each layer of information is considered when assessing the current situation. By remotely monitoring and assessing impact by combining geospatial insights with official statistics, we can better understand broader socioeconomic, industrial, and environmental impacts.
Geospatial data such as satellite imagery can help health organizations respond to the current global pandemic. For example, identifying buildings, cars, and other macro-micro changes in satellite imagery can help us keep track of our changing landscape and provide up-to-date information to those that need it most.
Accessing geospatial data with UP42
Democratizing access to geospatial data and analytics is a core part of our mission at UP42 in normal times. Right now, it’s vital.
With UP42, you’ll have access to over 20 data sources and 50 processing algorithms, including satellite imagery, weather data, and machine learning-based object detection and classification to support your work, as well as the ability to run your projects at scale via API — generating valuable insights into the ways COVID-19 is changing the world as we know it.
Geospatial data and analytics are helpful tools to measure and tackle the impact of COVID-19 in many ways. We have a wealth of Earth data streaming back to us from satellites in space and sensors on the ground, as well as machine learning technology and the infrastructure to build solutions at scale. If you think that accessing this would make a world of difference to your COVID-19 initiative, apply for UP42 support.
Who qualifies?
We welcome applications from organizations that:
- Are working on a COVID-19 related initiative, whether a response, impact assessment, or otherwise.
- Hold a valid nonprofit status, are a recognized educational/research institution, or government entity
- Have a registered office
- Offer products and services for peaceful purposes only
So far, we have received interest from organizations looking to cross-link geospatial data to other data streams such as economic activity, as well as entries investigating the environmental implications of the pandemic.
If you’re working on a COVID-19 project and are part of a nonprofit, university, or government team, we’d love to support you. Please fill out this form and we will reach out with the next steps.
