The Early Days of Satellite Imagery in Journalism
The use of satellite imagery in journalism has come a long way since the early days of the technology. In the 1960s, the U.S. military launched the first spy satellite, Corona, which provided primitive but groundbreaking coverage of the Soviet Union, China, and other previously denied areas. It wasn’t until 1972, with the launch of NASA’s Landsat 1 satellite, that the public gained access to remote sensing data. However, the resolution of these early images was relatively low, around 80 meters per pixel, making them too rough for most commercial purposes.
It was the launch of the French SPOT (Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre) in 1986, the world’s first commercial satellite venture, that marked the beginning of a new era for satellite imagery in journalism. International news outlets began to use remote sensing more significantly, as the resolution of the images improved to 10 meters per pixel. This allowed journalists to start incorporating satellite imagery into their reporting, albeit in a limited capacity.
The Rise of High-Resolution Imagery and Accessibility
The real game-changer for journalists came with the advent of high-resolution satellite imagery in the early 2000s. Companies like DigitalGlobe (now Maxar Technologies) and Planet Labs began launching constellations of satellites capable of capturing images with resolutions as high as 30 centimeters per pixel. This level of detail allowed journalists to identify individual objects and structures on the ground, opening up new possibilities for investigative reporting and visual storytelling.
In addition to the improved resolution, the accessibility of satellite imagery has also increased dramatically in recent years. Platforms like Google Earth and Bing Maps have made it easier for journalists to access and explore satellite imagery, while initiatives like the Norway’s International Climate & Forests Initiative (NICFI) have provided free access to high-resolution images for those reporting on environmental issues.
Applications of Satellite Imagery in Modern Journalism
As the quality and accessibility of satellite imagery has improved, so too has its use in journalism. Today, satellite imagery is used across a wide range of reporting contexts, from exposing human rights abuses and environmental destruction to covering natural disasters and conflicts.
One notable example is the use of satellite imagery to investigate the misuse of government funds in Botswana. In 2018, the INK Centre for Investigative Journalism used remote sensing data to reveal that then-president Ian Khama had built a 15-hectare private compound using government funds and military labor, despite his denials.
Satellite imagery has also played a crucial role in fact-checking and debunking disinformation. In 2014, when Russia blamed Ukrainian forces for shooting down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, killing 298 passengers, a crowdfunded citizen journalist group used satellite imagery to prove that the images Moscow provided as “proof” of their innocence had been doctored.
Environmental reporting has also benefited greatly from the use of satellite imagery. Journalists have used remote sensing data to track deforestation, monitor oil spills, and investigate the impact of climate change on vulnerable ecosystems. The Smoke Screen project, for example, used analysis of satellite data to prove deforestation by large private landowners in the Amazon.
The Future of Satellite Imagery in Journalism
As the technology continues to advance, the potential applications for satellite imagery in journalism are only set to expand. The increasing availability of near real-time imagery, the development of more sophisticated analysis tools, and the growing accessibility of satellite data are all factors that will contribute to the continued integration of this technology into journalistic practice.
One area that is likely to see significant growth is the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze satellite imagery. Initiatives like the From Above project, a collaboration between journalists from the Americas, have already begun exploring how AI can be used to identify visual indicators in satellite images and develop stories.
However, there are also challenges that journalists will need to navigate as they increasingly rely on satellite imagery in their reporting. Issues around privacy, data security, and the potential for misinterpretation of images will all need to be carefully considered. Journalists will also need to be mindful of the limitations of the technology and ensure that they are using satellite imagery as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, on-the-ground reporting.
Conclusion
The use of satellite imagery in journalism has evolved significantly over the past few decades, from a niche tool used by a handful of specialized reporters to a mainstream resource that is increasingly integral to the practice of journalism. As the technology continues to advance and become more accessible, it is likely that we will see even more innovative applications of satellite imagery in the years to come.
However, as with any new technology, it will be important for journalists to approach the use of satellite imagery with a critical eye and a commitment to ethical and responsible reporting. By doing so, they can harness the power of this technology to tell compelling stories, hold those in power accountable, and shed light on issues that might otherwise remain hidden from view.