Oriental Consultant Global and Synspective Sign MoU to Utilize SAR Satellite Data in Overseas Transportation and Traffic Infrastructure Projects

20 July 2021

Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd (OC Global). and Synspective Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a Strategic Alliance to promote the use of satellite data in the field of transportation and traffic infrastructure in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa.

Due to the novel coronavirus and the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the overseas infrastructure environment is changing, and new countermeasures are required. In this strategic alliance, OC Global and Synspective will work jointly on the implementation of monitoring technology using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite*1 data in the fields of “construction management,” “inspection,” and “operation and maintenance (O&M)” as part of OC Global’s large-scale infrastructure projects. The aim is to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing space-based technologies to address global challenges.

Synspective develops and operates its own small SAR satellites and also provides satellite data solutions. The core technology of SAR was developed by the ImPACT program, led by the Japanese Cabinet Office. Synspective aims to build a constellation*2 of 30 satellites by the late 2020s, making it possible to observe any disaster in any part of the world within two hours.

For OC Global, it is important to measure the land subsidence and displacement of surrounding structures during the construction and operation of transportation infrastructure projects we conduct around the world, such as roads, railroads, ports, and airports. If the land subsidence and displacement of surrounding structures can be measured and analyzed extensively and quickly using Synspective’s satellite data, it will be very beneficial in terms of safety and in reducing the initial and lifecycle costs of infrastructure development. It will also make it possible to realize the development of strong and sustainable urban infrastructure systems.