Value-added remote sensing market overview and perspectives in Europe

This paper provides a general overview, analysis and forecast for some areas of the space remote sensing market (outside of meteorology) in Europe and some parts of Eastern Europe. With the advent of new and more performing systems, and the opening of Eastern European countries to market economies, the picture of the remote sensing market in Europe is evolving rapidly. To get a picture of this evolution, the paper presents the industry structure [European Commission (JRC-SAI), 1998], the funding mechanisms, policy and program structure [Eurospace, 1999] and suggests funding sources or programs. A summary of remote sensing user requirements for selected market [European Space Agency, 1997, European Commission, 1998] is presented in tabular format. Market drivers such as data distribution networks, training, technology convergence (e.g. GIS, Internet) are examined. The dynamics of the business and the successful cases of the remote sensing industry are also reviewed. The impact of new remote sensing satellite systems is discussed. The approach taken by new satellite data providers to meet the target user market are also reported. In the conclusion, recommendations are made for value-added businesses wanting to develop EO markets in Europe for a large cross-section of users [Rousseau, 1999].