Geospatial Insight

A British satellite-analytics company, founded in 2012, that turns satellite and aerial images into research for finance, insurance and government clients.

About Geospatial Insight

Geospatial Insight uses pictures taken from satellites and aircraft, combined with maps and other data, to answer questions for businesses. Its own words describe it as an independent research provider for the finance and insurance sectors, creating risk analysis intelligence from satellite imagery together with other data. Early examples published by the Satellite Applications Catapult include monitoring mines overseas, tracking cargo at sea by combining images with ship-location data, and assessing damage from floods and Hurricane Sandy for a global reinsurance broker. A more recent directory describes work on emissions tracking, renewable energy planning and environmental risk.

The company was established in July 2012 by David Fox and a team of geospatial experts, and later added finance specialists. Mr Fox started his career at the Ministry of Defence collecting geographic intelligence for the army and air force and went on to lead Infoterra, the UK satellite-data business of EADS. In a case study, he said that companies need to know what has happened, what is happening now and what might happen in future. Its published aim is to give clients an 'information edge'. We found no formal mission statement or values page.

The Catapult case study says the company launched in Leicester. A business directory lists its location as Coleshill, near Birmingham, and the UKspace membership page does not give an address, so the base should be checked against the company's own website. At the time of the case study the team was four people, so any current headcount is likely to be different; we did not find a newer figure. The company is a member of UKspace, the UK space industry trade association, and is listed in Satellite Applications Catapult material.

Because only a few short sources exist, little can be said about day-to-day culture. The business combines two kinds of expert, people who understand satellite data and people who understand how investors and insurers make decisions. That mix reflects how the founder describes the company: it hires in-house research analysts, works through satellite data reseller agreements and relationships with other geospatial partners. These are the company's own descriptions, and we found no staff reviews.

Typical roles in this type of firm include imagery and geospatial analysts, data scientists who build predictive models, which the company calls a growth area, finance and insurance specialists, software developers and commercial staff who talk to clients. It shows a way into the space industry for people who are interested in economics, geography, maths or data and who want to apply them to real-world money and risk questions. The company's own website is the best place to check current information.

What they do

• {'desc': 'Research products for insurers and investors built from satellite imagery and other data.', 'title': 'Risk analysis intelligence'}
• {'desc': 'Tracking mines, cargo at sea and other assets from space.', 'title': 'Commodity and asset monitoring'}
• {'desc': 'Mapping the impact of floods, storms and other disasters.', 'title': 'Catastrophe assessment'}

Key facts

• Established in July 2012 by David Fox, who previously led Infoterra, the UK satellite-data arm of EADS
• Launched in Leicester; a directory lists Coleshill, Birmingham
• Four employees at the time of the Catapult case study (dated)
• Member of UKspace

Website: www.geospatialinsight.com