Space technology is gaining momentum in solving environmental challenges and draws on the strengths of other technologies such as AI and machine learning. Space technology and satellite data are also integral to many of DHI's solutions addressing global water challenges.

DHI has many employees with a background from DTU – Technical University of Denmark, and DHI recently hosted a large group of first-year students from the Earth and Space Physics and Engineering programme. The students were keen to learn more about how DHI utilises satellite data in combination with other technologies to tackle global challenges related to water and water environments.

DHI is constantly identifying new ways to use satellite Earth Observation data in combination with AI and physical modelling, with a broad array of applications ranging from estimating coastal bathymetry, habitat monitoring, urban resilience and monitoring reservoir water resources.

Paul Senty, PhD scholar at DHI, shared some of his experiences working with mapping methane-emitting areas using satellite imagery, while Kenneth Grogan, Head of Earth Observation Analytics at DHI, provided the students with concrete examples of how DHI applies space technology and satellite data to address water and environmental challenges worldwide.

The students were also given a tour of DHI’s testing facilities, where theory meets practice. Here, DHI’s experts test future designs for floating offshore wind turbines and energy islands by exposing scaled-down models to challenging current, wind, and wave conditions. This ensures that clients can be confident their designs can withstand even the most demanding consequences of climate change. DHI’s experts often use satellite imagery of the ocean floor when recreating a specific area of ocean floor in one of the test pools.

DHI collaborates closely with both Danish and international research institutions and employs both industrial PhDs and PostDocs. On the recent visit from the DTU students, Kenneth Grogan commented:

‘I hope the students were inspired to see how theory and data are applied in practice. Satellite data and space technology are increasingly making a significant impact on very down-to-earth challenges, such as monitoring water resources, droughts and floods. With a growing number of satellite sensors, coupled with increasing computing power and the integration of AI and machine learning, this will only become even more relevant in the future.

Who knows, maybe some of the students will be inspired to work with water and aquatic environments after their visit with us. I certainly hope so.’