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Event details

Talk Introduction Earth Observation (EO) is not a new science. However, with a 50-year history in satellite-based exploration and science, it has also encouraged new, and all the more daring, missions with novel technological improvements and innovations to help us understand Earth (and beyond) even more.

This talk will first take us back to 1972 and the launch of the Earth Resources Terrain Satellite (ERTS-1 later known as Landsat), where commercial usage of Earth Observation data really began. From here, we will explore the principles important to understand when it comes to what has the most value for the questions we want to answer through examples of missions and innovations that have helped to drive the use (and demand) for this data even more.

We will explore the challenges and opportunities within the space sector that have led to some fantastic missions, both from a technological and operational point of view, whilst also touching on how open data has made such a massive impact on our capabilities specifically for geology and related applications.

Space is changing, and the applications are not just changing but evolving – building on the legacy that early EO has provided to generate some real value to geoscience applications, especially with increased focus on ESG monitoring and more prevalence and importance of understanding our environmental footprint.

Satellites are not just a one-time usage but a multi-purpose toolkit that provide the contextual information not provided by other sources that is entirely complementary to more traditional surveying methods. Their value is in understanding the potential and the information they provide rather than the technology that drives them.

What can satellites do for you? They provide valuable information in a cost-effective way, which can improve decision-making through de-risking from the comfort of your home or office.

No technology has the complete answer, but satellites provide a big piece of that picture.

Speaker

Charlotte Bishop (KSAT AS)

Charlotte is a specialist in remote sensing, with nearly 20 years' experience, and currently holds the position of Director of Emerging Products and Services at KSAT AS, based in Norway. During her career she has worked for different earth observation organisations focusing on the use of satellite imagery in a range of market sectors, including Energy, Mining, Engineering and Environmental applications, where her primary interest, and passion, has been optical satellite imagery and land applications. 

Charlotte has also held various positions with the Geological Remote Sensing Group, including as Chairman for six years, as well as various editorial roles, including the for International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation and, most recently, as a committee members to the Geological Society's Development Committee. A self-confessed satellite nerd, her passion is to 'share the love' of the power of the growing sensor and processing technology available to help meet the challenges we face.

Programme

17:45–18:00: Guests arrive for the Public Lecture

18:00–19:00: Talk takes place (including Q&A)

19:00–20:00: Drinks reception in the Lower Library

20:00: Event ends

Date, time and location

This Public Lecture will take place on Tuesday 21 October 2025 at 18:00.

This is a hybrid event, which can be attended in person at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, or online via Zoom.

Registration

This lecture is free to attend. However, we are a registered charity (number 210161) and we welcome donations. If you would like to donate, you can do so here.

You can register for both in-person and virtual attendance here.

If you wish to join our mailing list, please email conference@geolsoc.org.uk.