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Monitoring the Earth – A strategic goal

Planetary coverage


SPOT satellite imagery provides a rich source of data about our planet, offering unique geographical information to complement that obtained through traditional methods.

SPOT imagery, combined with other information sources, such as administrative data, population and economic statistics, and so on, is a valuable aid for land planning and management at local, national and global levels.

SPOT imagery is also a vital tool for scientists, industry and policymakers.
Animation showing spread of forest fires in southern France, summer 2003, viewed by the HRG instrument on SPOT 5 (2.5-m resolution). Crédits : CNES

Animation showing spread of forest fires in southern France, summer 2003, viewed by the HRG instrument on SPOT 5 (2.5-m resolution). Crédits : CNES

SPOT - the pride of the French space industry


For nearly 30 years, SPOT has been a beacon programme on the international scene. Other countries, including Japan, India and Canada have all established space observation programmes , but none have equalled SPOT's operational performance.

As the benchmark in civil remote sensing, SPOT offers numerous advantages including synoptic or detailed views, repeat acquisition capability and flexibility through daily satellite programming.

With a growing number of market players, competition has intensified in recent years. However, SPOT 5's performance has enabled France to consolidate its know-how and competitiveness in this international market.
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