New satellite data available from EFTAS
ALOS-4, a new Earth observation satellite providing L-band radar data, has recently become available. From April 2025, EFTAS Fernerkundung Technologietransfer GmbH will take over the distribution of ALOS-4 data for the German market – in cooperation with the Japanese provider PASCO.
New opportunities for remote sensing and analysis
ALOS-4 is the successor to the ALOS-1 and ALOS-2 satellites and offers improved spatial resolution and larger coverage areas in comparison. The system is equipped with an L-band radar sensor that operates independently of light and weather conditions. This makes ALOS-4 suitable for a wide range of applications, including environmental monitoring, land-use mapping, infrastructure monitoring and risk analysis.
L-band radar complements existing data sources
A particular advantage of L-band radar lies in its ability to provide information even in areas of dense vegetation or under difficult weather conditions. The data can be used, for example, for deformation analysis, to detect ground subsidence and changes in soil moisture, or to map forest structure. When combined with optical imagery, this creates a robust data foundation for analyses at local, regional or national level.
Partnership with PASCO
EFTAS has been working with PASCO for many years and is now taking over the distribution of ALOS-4 data in Germany. At the same time, the operating contract for ALOS-2 has been extended – whilst the data quality of ALOS-4 has improved significantly, ALOS-2 data remains attractive, particularly for cost-sensitive commercial applications. Demand is expected to remain high worldwide until the end of the ALOS-2 mission.
In addition to providing data, we also offer support in selecting the appropriate data, processing it and integrating it into existing geodata infrastructures. With ALOS-4, our range of satellite data is expanded to include a versatile system that opens up new possibilities for applications in public administration, research and business.
Foto: Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4 (ALOS-4) © JAXA
