SUPARCO Hopes to Replace Google Maps with HD Imagery for Pakistan

Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) Pakistan is aiming to launch a satellite into space soon.

SUPARCO will be sending a remote sensing satellite for high resolution imagery. A local search engine called  “Akas-e-Pakistan” will be launched alongside the satellite.

A Google Earth Replacement

This was detailed in a meeting recently by Deputy Chairperson SUPARCO, Dr. Arifa Lodhi. She mentioned that Akas-e-Pakistan aims to replace Google Earth, but with much better resolution imagery.

She also said that Pakistani institutions will be able to make use of the most accurate geological information through the satellite for free.

The satellite in question is PAKSATONE-IRA, which will make use of the SPOT space station France. It will cost millions of dollars per year, according to Dr. Arifa.

Punjab Government Collaboration with SUPARCO

Government of Punjab and SUPARCO will be collaborating for the usage of space technology in accelerating economic growth in the province. They will be involved in mineral exploration and for the preparation of forest inventory in Punjab.

SUPARCO management further clarified that Punjab Government, in collaboration with Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), will provide training for relevant provincial officers of the relevant departments to benefit from the space technology.

GIS laboratories will also be established alongside the preparation of forest inventories. The laboratories will be built for:

• Crops Reporting System soil crop condition assessment,
• Mapping of crop land characteristics, forest mapping,
• Flood mapping,
• Resource mapping,
• Crime mapping,
• Infrastructure development and health management,
• Identification of contaminant levels in the industrial areas,
• Identification of encroachment in beds of the rivers,
• Exploration of mines and minerals, etc.

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