In a strategic stride toward bolstering research capabilities and shaping impactful policy initiatives, Digital Earth Africa has officially inaugurated its state-of-the-art satellite office within the premises of the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) in Kenya. This groundbreaking move is poised to redefine the landscape of research and decision-making processes across the nation.

The unveiling of this cutting-edge satellite office coincided with the ongoing 7th Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development International Conference in Nairobi. The newly launched facility is set to provide individuals with unprecedented access to a treasure trove of open and easily accessible data tailored for research and analysis. This expansive data repository encompasses satellite images spanning over three decades, enveloping the entirety of the African continent.

Dr Thembi Xaba, Managing Director of Digital Earth Africa, highlighted the momentousness of this initiative, underlining the platform's capability to furnish researchers with unfettered access to earth observation data for transformative objectives. The data reservoir is poised to empower governments, industries, and researchers in a concerted endeavour to address pivotal African challenges, including food security, habitat conservation, and the mitigation of climate change impacts.

Zviko Mudimu, Head of Operations at Digital Earth Africa, emphasized the critical role of harnessing this data to catalyze climate action and informed decision-making. He offered examples of how the platform allows users to dissect transformations in agriculture, environmental conditions, water resource management, and coastal regions over the course of years.

The selection of Kenya as the site for the satellite office's launch was propelled by user demand and a steadfast partnership with the RCMRD. Given that a substantial portion of the platform's user base originates from Kenya, this expansion seamlessly aligns with the organization's commitment to nurturing collaborations and fulfilling regional demands.

Dr Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Director General of the RCMRD, underscored the continent's fervour for harnessing space capabilities to surmount socio-economic challenges. He affirmed unwavering support for the initiative's endeavours in effectively harnessing earth observation data.

Zviko Mudimu underscored the paramount significance of heightening awareness about the accessibility and applicability of earth observation data. Beyond expediting data analysis, the user-friendly platform serves as a catalyst in formulating use cases that yield profound insights into diverse phenomena.

Kenya's collaboration with Digital Earth Africa on a project spotlighting urbanization trends across African cities is a testament to the initiative's pertinence and potential for transformative impact.

The inauguration of this satellite office marks a monumental milestone, reaffirming Digital Earth Africa's unswerving commitment to propelling research, policy formulation, and socio-economic progress in Kenya and across the expansive African terrain.

 

Article by RB Correspodent

Photo/KBC

https://www.kbc.co.ke/digital-earth-africa-launches-operations-in-kenya-to-boost-research/