Remote sensing

Remote sensing is a method of collecting data about the Earth’s surface through measurements taken from the air or space, for example using drones, aircraft, satellites, or other remote sensing equipment. This technology is used to monitor nature, resources, and environmental changes. Remote sensing makes it possible to detect changes on land, at sea, and in the atmosphere, support policy-making, and communicate scientific information to society.

The Natural Science Institute of Iceland uses remote sensing in various projects, including through Copernicus, which provides access to extensive European Union satellite data along with aerial photographs, forming an important data source for mapping and analysing changes in Icelandic landscape.

Copernicus monitoring programme

The Natural Science Institute of Iceland represents Iceland in the EU’s Copernicus monitoring programme, which is tasked with observing the state of the environment on land, sea, and air, while also contributing to improved safety for people worldwide. Copernicus is one of the EU’s largest monitoring initiatives, with Iceland participating fully through the European Economic Area agreement.

To collect the necessary data, Copernicus operates several satellites and provides access to information from them, as well as other measurements via numerous web services. Iceland has full access to these services, which deliver information on the state and development of various environmental factors, such as marine, atmosphere, emergency, security, land, and climate change. All Copernicus data and services are free of charge.

The Natural Science Institute participates in two Copernicus projects, FPCUP and CAMS NCP. The FPCUP project aims to increase use of and access to Copernicus data in Europe, including through education, training, and infrastructure development for better utilisation of satellite information. The CAMS NCP project focuses on air quality and atmospheric composition and promotes improved access to and increased use of Copernicus data in Iceland. Under the CAMS NCP project, work is being carried out on air quality and air quality forecasting, which can be viewed in the Air quality viewer.

View Iceland in the Copernicus browser.

CORINE land cover

CORINE is a pan-European land cover classification project and part of the Copernicus monitoring programme. The project involves mapping land cover.