Spire Global, a leading provider of space-based data, analytics, and space services, has been selected by LatConnect60, a data and analytics company specializing in Earth Observation insights, to deliver Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry (GNSS-R) data and Soil Moisture Insights. This partnership aims to empower farmers, resource managers, and policymakers with actionable intelligence to address critical agricultural challenges and promote sustainable practices.
According to the World Bank, investments in climate-resilient agriculture yield returns of three to eight times their costs. Central to this success is the availability of precise environmental data, which plays a crucial role in water management, usage efficiency, and understanding crop stress levels. The integration of Spire’s advanced Soil Moisture Insights into LatConnect60’s web-based platforms will provide end users with the tools necessary to optimize agricultural practices and strengthen climate resilience.
Advancing Agriculture in Challenging Environments
LatConnect60 CEO and Founder Venkat Pillay emphasized the importance of this partnership. “We look forward to working closely with Spire to make this combined capability easily accessible to our end users across the Southeast Asian and Australian continents,” he said. “The demand for these insights is significant, especially in agricultural and forestry regions where manual data collection is difficult or impossible. Spire’s GNSS-R data is particularly valuable, as it provides daily soil moisture readings even under heavy cloud cover and dense canopy conditions.”
The combined capabilities of LatConnect60’s satellite fleet, which includes optical imagery and shortwave infrared technology, and Spire’s GNSS-R data, will deliver an unprecedented level of environmental monitoring. Customers in Southeast Asia and Australia will have access to dynamic maps and dashboards that provide detailed insights into water usage, crop health, and resource management. This technology enables precise tracking of specific areas, daily updates, and the integration of multispectral satellite data to support more informed decision-making.
Cutting-Edge Soil Moisture Insights for Resilient Agriculture
Spire’s Soil Moisture Insights are powered by its GNSS-R satellite constellation, designed to provide high-resolution, daily soil moisture data at scales of 500 meters and six kilometers. This global coverage offers an invaluable resource for sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and resource management.
“Predicting biomass growth and understanding soil moisture conditions are essential for building climate resilience,” explained Michael Eilts, General Manager of Weather and Climate at Spire. “By combining our GNSS-R technology with LatConnect60’s analytical platforms, we are setting new benchmarks for accuracy in soil moisture data and comprehensive environmental monitoring, regardless of location.”
The Soil Moisture Insights product is designed to optimize crop yields, manage environmental risks, and assess ground stability. By delivering precise, actionable data via API, the system integrates seamlessly with existing tools and workflows. Applications range from drought and flood forecasting to irrigation planning, commodity price prediction, and hydrological modeling.
Transforming Data into Actionable Intelligence
The partnership between Spire and LatConnect60 represents a major step forward in the use of space-based technologies to support sustainable agriculture. The ability to deliver accurate and timely soil moisture data—even in regions with dense vegetation or challenging weather conditions—provides farmers and policymakers with the insights needed to make proactive decisions.
LatConnect60’s innovative approach to data integration enhances the functionality of Spire’s GNSS-R technology. By leveraging their satellite fleet and advanced analytics platforms, LatConnect60 delivers a holistic view of environmental conditions, enabling users to monitor biomass growth, track water use, and assess crop health with unparalleled precision.
A Future of Sustainable Agriculture
This collaboration aligns with the growing demand for climate-smart agricultural solutions. The integration of GNSS-R and multispectral satellite data into LatConnect60’s platforms offers farmers and resource managers the ability to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, adapt to changing environmental conditions, and build resilience against climate-related risks.
As Southeast Asia and Australia continue to face challenges such as water scarcity, extreme weather events, and the need for efficient land use, the tools provided by Spire and LatConnect60 will prove essential in driving sustainable agricultural practices.
By transforming cutting-edge space technology into actionable insights, Spire Global and LatConnect60 are not only supporting today’s farmers but also shaping the future of agriculture. This partnership exemplifies how innovative solutions can address pressing global challenges, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient food system.
