From Space to Solutions: Using Satellites and AI to Monitor Our Changing Planet

By Associate Professor Andrea Nascetti 

Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm

Abstract

Every day, satellites orbiting Earth capture an enormous stream of images and measurements that help us see how our planet is changing. Thanks to recent advances in artificial intelligence, we now have powerful tools to analyze and make sense of this “big data from space.” In this seminar, we will explore how these data are collected by modern satellite constellations. We will discuss how new AI models allow us to track urban growth, map disasters such as wildfires and floods, and monitor sensitive environments like glaciers and forests. Finally, we will show how combining satellite observations with AI not only reveals changes more clearly and quickly but also supports better decision-making processes.

Biography

Andrea Nascetti is an Associate Professor at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm. His research lies at the intersection of remote sensing and computer vision, focusing on developing novel methods for Earth observation and geospatial data analysis. He has worked extensively on applications ranging from urban monitoring and disaster mapping to glacier and forest carbon studies. Andrea also teaches courses in Remote Sensing and Geospatial AI and supervises PhD students. His work bridges cutting-edge data science with real-world environmental and societal challenges.