ESA title

Automated satellite-based system for pipeline monitoring

Data Segment
  • Data Processing & Visualisation
  • Data Analytics, Insights & Applications
Cycle
  • Product Development
SuperVision Pipeline is a product that uses AI algorithms to analyze satellite and drone images to detect and immediately report various risks to critical infrastructure.
Objectives of the Product

More than a million kilometers of high-pressure pipelines, often buried underground, run through countries supplying gas and energy to businesses and communities worldwide. These pipelines are subject to various risks such as unauthorized construction by third parties, geohazards or agricultural activity.

SuperVision Pipeline (SVP) is a pipeline monitoring solution which uses proprietary AI algorithms to analyze satellite and drone data to detect and regularly report on various risks to infrastructure. The algorithms behind SVP process latest images from various sources for timely and accurate risk detection.


Customers and their Needs

The SuperVision Pipeline monitoring solution is designed for operators of critical infrastructure. The protection of underground infrastructure is a complex task and incidents, while rare, can cost millions. Regular satellite & drone monitoring of pipelines can help pipeline operators spot risks before they become incidents and comply with regulations.


Targeted customer/users countries

Operators of critical infrastructure, transmission system operators (TSO’S) globally.


Product Description

Our product comprises a sophisticated satellite and drone risk detection system, offering a viable alternative to traditional helicopter monitoring. Key components include a cloud-based backend for acquiring and processing imagery from multiple sources, advanced AI models for risk detection, and a user-friendly web-GIS application for displaying detected risks.


Added Value

SuperVision Pipeline stands out with its 99% greater carbon efficiency compared to conventional helicopter monitoring methods. By transitioning to satellite and drone-based monitoring, we drastically reduce CO2 emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability while ensuring effective risk detection.


Current Status

In January 2024, we successfully concluded the InCubed product development cycle of SuperVision Pipeline, marking it as a market-ready product. We secured a long-term contract with a leading German pipeline operator, affirming the product’s readiness and efficacy.

Throughout the development phase, our consortium partners rigorously tested and validated the SuperVision Pipeline solution, receiving monthly updates via our intuitive Web-GIS application. Collaborations with regulatory authorities such as DVGW ensured industry expertise and compliance.

Starting in October 2022, we expanded our product offerings to include drone monitoring, fulfilling the evolving needs of our customers. Spearheading the research in remote sensing, the TU Darmstadt and University of Würzburg have been onboarded as further consortium partners. Our achievements in research and innovation have been recognized with the publication of our AI development findings in the esteemed journal “Remote Sensing” with the title “Effective Risk Detection for Natural Gas Pipelines Using Low-Resolution Satellite Images”.

Prime Contractor Company
SuperVision Earth
Germany Flag Germany
SUBCONTRACTOR
Entega AG
Germany Flag Germany
SUBCONTRACTOR
Terranets BW
Germany Flag Germany
Contractor Project Manager
Name
Jan Kolmas
Address
Otto-Hesse-Straße 19/T2 64293 Darmstadt
Contacts

jan.kolmas@supervision.earth

+49 6151 6678892

ESA Technical Officer
Name
Stefano Ferretti
Related links
Company Website arw

Current activities