Government to use EU's Copernicus satellite data

The federal government has signed an agreement with the European Commission allowing access to the EU's Copernicus earth observation and monitoring program.

Assistant Minister for Science Karen Andrews said access to the satellite data will provide unprecedented ability to monitor Australia's landscape with precise, real-time imagery.

This will help support the management of environmental sites such as the Great Barrier Reef and monitor changes to lakes and river systems. It will also support the development of new services for the agriculture, fisheries, transport, mining and energy sectors.

Andrews added that access to the data will open up new business opportunities for Australian innovators.

"Australia's economy already benefits from satellite data to the tune of $4.3 billion annually. This agreement secures a reliable long-term supply of high-quality data in an area expected to grow substantially over the next 10 years," she said.

"Through our research sector, spatial industry and our national science agencies Geoscience Australia and CSIRO, we envision data from Copernicus's satellites creating great opportunities for businesses small and large, in Europe and Australia, working together to create innovative, economy-changing products and services."

The agreement was signed by Geoscience Australia's Dr Stuart Minchin and the EC Director of Space Policy for Copernicus and Defence Dr Philippe Brunet on Thursday.

Pictured: Copernicus satellite data of Lake Amadeus, Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Northern Territory. © Copernicus Sentinel data (2015)/ESA