In autumn of 2009, Minas Gerais released a re- quest for proposal (RFP) to obtain three satellite imagery coverages of the state with a resolution of eight meters or better. Previous attempts to have their state images had failed because it was so large, and Minas Gerais wanted the data provider that won their RFP to prove their ability to rapidly and repetitively collect imagery overlarge areas. One of their requirements was to have data of the state collected, processed and delivered within three days of placing their order. Since the RapidEye system combines the strengths of large area coverage with quick return capabilities and speedy delivery times, Santiago & Cintra Consultoria, RapidEye‘s sales partner in Brazil successfully won the bid to cover Minas Gerais. Once RapidEye‘s five meter imagery was reviewed by the government decision-makers, they were so satisfied with the spatial resolution, the information that could be extracted and the revisit rate that they decided additional very high resolution satellite imagery was not necessary. The government of Minas Gerais required three coverages of the state so that a real-time monitoring and assessment program could be implemented. The time window for the first coverage was from September to December 2009, the second was from January to April 2010, and the third from May to July 2010. These specific date ranges were chosen because most illegal logging and associated illegal activities occur just before and during these periods. With the very quick turnaround of the data, the state can monitor and identify any issues almost immediately. The imagery, as requested by Minas Gerais, was to have no more than 10% cloud coverage per tile. RapidEye achieved an extremely high success rate; the actual data delivered was with less than 5% cloud cover per tile. January through March is the most difficult time to collect imagery in that area due to stormy weather and cloudy conditions. The weather was even worse than normal during that period in 2010, with most days presenting between 60 and 80 percent cloud coverage. However, the majority of the data was successfully collected in the requested time window. The third coverage (May-July) was easily completed in the given time frame, as this was during the South American winter, when there are frequent cold fronts which produce clear skies. RapidEye delivered all of the data over Minas Gerais as orthorectified level 3A tiles. Santiago & Cintra used the 3A tiles to create a mosaic and color-balanced it to create a uniform seamless image for online access. | |
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