Planet Labs PBC, a global leader in providing daily data and insights about Earth, recently held their „Planet On The Road“ conference series in Bogotá, Colombia. The event showcased major customers and partners from Central and South America, highlighting the innovative ways in which satellite data is being used across the region for sustainable development, law enforcement, disaster response, and Amazon forest protection.
At the conference, Planet President and CFO, Ashley Johnson, discussed how Planet provides satellite datasets and analysis feeds to help conduct broad area management and quantify changing conditions on Earth’s surface. Johnson also introduced the newly launched Planet Insights Platform, emphasizing how their daily global scan can assist authorities in improving situational awareness, allocating resources during complex incidents, understanding flood risks, and planning long-term recovery operations.
The event featured speakers from Brazil, Colombia, and Bolivia, who shared insights on how satellite data is being leveraged for various purposes in Latin America. Robbie Schingler, Planet Co-founder and CSO, highlighted the importance of harnessing space data and AI technologies to promote peace, security, and sustainability in the region.
Representatives from INRA, Bolivia’s land management agency, discussed how they modernized their approach to land management by collaborating with Planet and Planet partner CIVIS. By utilizing the Planet Insights Platform, INRA was able to monitor carbon emissions compliance, land use, and titling, setting ambitious sustainable targets across the nation.
In addition to INRA, Instituto Geográfico Agustín Codazzi (IGAC), a Colombian government entity responsible for managing cartographic data, shared how they provide access to PlanetScope and Planet Basemaps covering the entire Colombian territory. Through their platform, organizations can efficiently conduct land-use planning and territorial management, using data analysis and AI to monitor infrastructure changes and detect environmental impacts.
During a fireside chat, Planet’s co-founder Robbie Schingler and Microsoft’s National Digital Transformation Officer, Guillermo Ocampo, discussed how artificial intelligence and satellite imagery are transforming biodiversity protection in South America. Microsoft’s Project Guacamaya, for example, uses AI-enabled analyses on top of Planet satellite imagery to detect ecosystem changes swiftly.
Planet partner Procalculo showcased their collaborative work with organizations in Colombia, providing geospatial insights derived from Planet satellite data for risk management and disaster response. They demonstrated how deep learning models on top of Planet data can evaluate yearly drought impacts, wildfire threat zones, and map roads for disaster management.
The event also featured representatives from the Brazil MAIS program, which works to protect the Brazilian Amazon in collaboration with various government agencies and Planet partner SCCON Geospatial. Leveraging Planet satellite data, SCCON supports a change detection alert system that provides real-time information on illicit activities, such as deforestation and illegal mining, enabling authorities to protect the Amazon rainforest effectively.
Furthermore, the conference included discussions on how Planet data is being used in the Latin American agricultural industry and disaster response. Companies like Disargo, Auravant, and Oryzativa shared how they integrate Planet data into their platforms to support digital farming and proactive disaster response efforts.
Overall, the Planet On the Road Bogotá event brought together industry leaders, government officials, and technology experts to showcase the transformative power of satellite data and AI technologies in addressing critical challenges in Latin America. With a focus on sustainability, transparency, and innovation, Planet and its partners are driving positive change and accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable economy in the region.