Stirling scientists are pioneers of a lifesaving emergency mapping system

SEMS uses state-of-the-art satellite imaging technology to deliver real-time, high-resolution data and insights that will enhance decision-making capabilities and enable faster, more efficient response efforts when disasters strike.

Key to the success of this new service is a collaboration with Forth-ERA, part of Scotland’s International Environment Centre, which has developed the UK’s first emergency flood mapping service based on satellite data.

Professor Peter Hunter, Director of Forth-ERA Digital Environmental Observatory, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with SEPA on the newly launched Satellite Emergency Monitoring Service.

“Our innovative flood mapping service will provide near-time intelligence on the extent of flood waters to support the emergency responders ultimately helping to protect both critical infrastructure and human life.”

Associate Professor, Earth Observation, Dr Armando Marino added: “We have used state-of-the art methods, including artificial intelligence, to develop a sophisticated approach to mapping flood waters from space. Our system uses data from a range of radar satellites that can penetrate clouds to provide detailed maps of floods as they happen.”

SEMS is available to all responders in Scotland and operates 365 days a year with an on-call provision available 24 hours a day.

Mark Cleland, Group Commander at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Innovation is one of the core values of our fire service. We're extremely interested to see how new technologies can improve the safety of communities and our staff, enhance resilience and potentially save lives during environmental emergencies.”

Unprecedented precision

The new service forms part of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters, a global network of over 270 satellites from 17 Charter members around the world, working to support disaster relief.

SEPA is the only organisation in Scotland able to activate the Charter and give emergency responders access to critical satellite imagery. This allows them to assess the full scope of damage, find critical hotspots, and prioritise areas for intervention - even in areas where weather or hazardous conditions make ground assessments impossible.

The service will also contribute to future crisis preparedness, using baseline data collected by satellites to model potential scenarios, inform long-term resilience planning, and develop more effective response strategies.

Claire Neil, Principal Scientist at SEPA, said: “The ability to access stable, consistent, near real-time data from space adds an unprecedented layer of precision to our efforts in managing environmental risks.

“The technology’s potential for both immediate crisis management and long-term planning is immense. We look forward to working with our partners, in what is a cost-effective service for the public sector for safeguarding our environment and our communities.”

Significant milestone

SEPA’s initiative is a significant milestone for Scotland’s growing space industry. By embracing advanced satellite technologies, the agency is positioning Scotland as a leader in environmental protection and space technology. This launch underscores the Scottish Government’s commitment to fostering the country’s space sector while addressing urgent environmental challenges at home and abroad.

Sarah-Jane Gill, Chief of Staff at the UK Space Agency, said: “For the UK Space Agency, the development and launch of SEMS is a perfect example of how space technology can be used for disaster risk reduction and to support public services. There are several international tools for satellite data, mapping and analysis in emergencies, but it is when these tools are integrated into operational services, like SEPA have done with SEMS, that they become most powerful.”

Business Minister Richard Lochhead, who was at the inaugural Space-Comm Expo in Glasgow on September 11, said: “The launch of SEPA’s ground-breaking Satellite Emergency Mapping service is the perfect example of how we can innovate, collaborate and deliver cutting-edge solutions to some of the most serious and significant challenges of our time.”