May 7, 2015
According to
Euroconsult's newly released report, Earth
Observation Requirements & Solutions in Latin
America, the Latin American Earth observation
market is undergoing significant expansion
brought about by growing demand for Earth
observation data and services, and governments'
growing investment into the application to
support this demand and help to develop national
Earth observation industries. In this regard,
the region is considered one of the most dynamic
markets globally.
As of 2014 combined national investment into
Earth observation systems developed is $193
million. This number is expected to increase
substantially as further countries in the region
are expected to invest in the application, and
current investing countries expand their
satellite portfolios. Consequently, the number
of Earth observation satellites launched from
Latin American programs is anticipated to grow
to more than 25 over the coming decade, compared
to just six launched in the last ten years.
Demand for Earth observation data has also
increased significantly. "The data market in
Latin America is estimated at $145 million in
2014; nearly half of all data sales are
attributed to the defense sector, with natural
resources monitoring, infrastructure and
engineering, and energy following," said Ricardo
Topham, Consultant at Euroconsult and editor of
the report. "Brazil represents the largest
national market, totaling a third of all data
sales, followed by Mexico."
Demand is foreseen to
continue to grow strongly, with a 10% CAGR
forecast over 2014-2024, leading to a $355
million commercial data market. Multiple factors
are expected to support this growth:
-
Robust demand from
defense. Although impacted by the gradual
increase of national proprietary systems,
this supply is not expected to fulfill all
regional demand for image intelligence
solutions.
-
Demand in natural
resources mainly related to national forest
monitoring programs, especially in Brazil
and Mexico, although countries such as
Argentina, Chile, and Colombia are also
increasing demand for forestry and
agriculture.
Infrastructure and engineering demand driven
by Brazil and Mexico and their plans to
invest billions of dollars in development
projects over the next decade. Colombia and
Chile are also foreseen to undertake
projects to update road networks and public
transport infrastructure.
-
-
Demand in the energy
(oil, gas, minerals) sector, mainly in
Brazil, Mexico, and Chile. Countries will be
effected in the short to medium term related
to the drop in oil prices; however the
region remains resources-rich with new
ventures expected to emerge.