Since 2000, GRAS has successfully completed more than 150 projects in more than 50 countries. Below is a list of selected recent and current GRAS activities.
CoBiOS - Coastal Biomass Observatory Services (2011-13)
With a number of European partners GRAS is part of the EU FP7 project CoBiOS. The CoBiOS project aims to integrate satellite products and ecological models into an operational and user-relevant information service on high biomass blooms in Europe's coastal waters.
Environmental monitoring of Danish lakes (2010-12)
In this project GRAS will develop methods for chlorophyll a mapping in Danish lakes. The mapping will combine traditional low resolution monitoring for large lakes but will also focus on the potential for chlorophyll a mapping based on the WorldView-2 images in 2 m resolution.
Mapping Bathymetry along coast of Sicily (2011)
The new enhanced capacities of Worldview-2 is being explored in this project where the bathymetry and seabed vegetation distribution is being mapped for an area located on the coast of Sicily, Italy.
Topographic features mapped in West Greenland (2010)
GRAS has performed Class 1 topographic vector mapping of an airport in Eastern Greenland based on automatic feature extraction of objects in very high resolution satellite images.
Mapping of thermal plumes and sea ice in the Baltic Sea (2010)
Based on historic time series of thermal Landsat data, thermal plumes in relation to the release of cooling water from a power plant has been mapped. The potential effect on the seasonal sea ice coverage was mapped based on various radar/SAR image sources, such as Envisat ASAR and ERS-2.
GIS assistance to large scale health survey at Sri Lanka (2010-2011)
GRAS is developing and assisting South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC) with setup of a handheld-GIS based system to collect large scale health survey data in the field. The system has been developed and implemented by local capacity building through workshops and training.
Cambodia 2010 (2010)
GRAS was selected to provide independent quality assurance and verification of the 2010 national forest cover assessment in Cambodia.
Silkeborg Invasive species (2010)
Detailed distribution maps of Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) and Common Broom (Cytisus scoparius) are produced from Worldview-2 imagery in support of combating these invasive species in the municipality of Silkeborg, Denmark. The project was carried out in association with NIRAS.
Mapping glacial lake outbursts in Greenland (2010)
In this research project funded by the "Commission for Scientific Research in Greenland", GRAS and ASIAQ have developed a remote sensing method to locate ice-dammed lakes and determine the volume of water discharged by a glacial lake outburst.
SADC Regional Groundwater Vulnerability Mapping (2010 - 2011)
With GEUS ( Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland) and CSIR ( Council for Scientific and Industrial Research , South Africa) , GRAS is developing a GIS-tool for integrated mapping and management of groundwater drought vulnerability and insecurity in the SADC ( South African Developing Countries) region.
Vegetation and snow mapping in West Greenland (2009)
GRAS performs vegetation and snow mapping in an area located between the Maniitsoq Ice Cap and Godthåbsfjorden in Western Greenland for use in the preparation of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the construction of an aluminum smelter and related hydroelectric plant.
Mapping coastal changes in Bangladesh (2009)
GRAS investigates the potential of Earth Observation (EO) data and methodologies for coastal change mapping in Bangladesh. The project is part of the "Exploitation of Earth Observations services in support of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the ESA EOMD program (European Space Agency’s programme on Earth Observation Market Development).
Feasibility of resources for sustainable energy in Mali (2009-2011)
Based on a an initial phase of the mapping of renewable energy resources in Mali, GRAS together with the University of Copenhagen and Risø National Laboratory, Technical University of Denmark, is leading the further investigations of mapping the potentials for sustainable energy in Mali. GRAS is leading project components related to mapping biofuel and solar energy potentials in close cooperation with local counterparts in Mali.
Mapping of turbidity and suspended solids in Australia (2009)
GRAS is mapping the amount of total suspended sediment in the waters around a selected region in Australia. The mapping is based on daily MODIS 250m images and calibration is performed on local in situ measurements. With these sediment maps it is possible to get an overview of the temporal and spatial variations of the suspended sediments for the selected time period.
Mapping of coastal changes (2009)
GRAS has performed coastline mapping on several locations around the globe. Based on time series of different image sources (Aerial photos, QuickBird, World View, Landsat etc.), GRAS has mapped the coastline at different times and thereby quantified the dynamics related to the location of the coastline at the study sites. Read more of coastline mapping at GRAS here.
Snow cover mapping for reservoir optimisation (2008-2011)
GRAS is mapping snow cover and surface temperatures for assimilation into snow melt models with the purpose of optimising hydropower operations in Northern India. The data processing is based on daily images of snow cover, temperature and snow albedo and these input layers are used to calibrate the modelled output. The processing will be developed to run in near-real time for assimilation into the snow melt model in a dedicated application for decision support.
Fehmarnbelt Link - EIA (2008 - 2012 )
With DHI, GRAS is part of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) project related to the future construction of the Fehmarnbelt link connecting Denmark and Germany. GRAS delivers remote sensing based input to the hydrographic models and performs marine habitat mapping in collaboration with marine biologists and geologists. Furthermore GRAS is involved in studies focusing on quantifying and modelling the transport of suspended sediments.
Impervious area mapping (2008)
GRAS is mapping impervious surfaces in various locations in Sweden and Bulgaria based on aerial photographs and QuickBird images. The data is being used as input for hydrological modelling to model the increased runoff from impervious areas, and also to assess the effects on water quality. Read more about impervious surface mapping here.
Mapping of invasive species (2008)
With NIRAS, GRAS is mapping various invasive species based on Very High Resolution satellite images. This service has been operational since 2006 and is performed for various municipalities in Denmark.
Kolombangara Forest Plantations (2008)
In this ESA project related to Earth Observation Market Development and managed by LuxSpace, GRAS was chosen as the service provider for a demonstration project related to forest plantation mapping in the Solomon Islands. The project includes mapping changes in plantation types over time.
Cambodia - monitoring of deforestation (2008)
GRAS is assisting the Forestry Administration of Cambodia develop methods for deforestation monitoring of concession areas, related to REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in Developing Countries)
Mapping of irrigated areas in Iraq (2008)
GRAS is mapping historic changes in irrigated areas in the Basra province in order to identify the impact of wars on the agricultural productivity since the 1970s. Training of Iraqi officials in the use of remote sensing and GIS is also provided.
Hyacints (2008-2012)
The project HYdrological Modelling for Assessing Climate Change Impacts at differeNT Scales (HYACINTS) will develop new methodologies and tools to enable easier and more accurate use of regional scale climate and hydrological models to address local scale water resources problems. GRAS will contribute with a PhD on remote sensing of precipitation, with special focus on mountainous areas. More info at www.hyacints.dk
Near-real-time sediment mapping (2007 - 2011):
GRAS has entered a long term agreement on sediment monitoring in South East Asia based on MODIS 250 m. data. GRAS will be operating two processing systems which generate maps of total suspended matter in near-real-time with daily data deliverance. The data is continuously calibrating with automated in-situ measurements.
Mangrove Information Management System (2007-2009)
In Vietnam GRAS is developing a Mangrove Information Management System with several local organisation. The aim of the project is to identify vulnerable areas and map risks with respect to sea level rise and extreme climate events in Northern Vietnam.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan for Tamil Nadu (2007-2009):
With DHI and Nordeco, GRAS is involved in a ICZM project comprising the entire coastline of Tamil Nadu in India. GRAS will map coastal land use, land sustainability and land capability based on medium and high resolution satellite data.
Mapping renewable energy potential in Mali (2007 - 2008):
In cooperation with the University of Copenhagen and Risø National Laboratory, Technical University of Denmark, GRAS is leading the mapping of the potential of renewable energy for the entire country of Mali. GRAS is performing the solar power potential analysis where the amount of available energy is modelled with a temporal resolution of 15 minutes based on a time series of Meteosat Second Generation data.
Invasive species mapping (2007)
Together with NIRAS, GRAS is mapping giant hogweed (bjørneklo) in Odense Municipality, Denmark. 60 cm resolution QuickBird images are used for the analysis, enabling a detailed mapping of the distribution of giant hogweed. The maps will be used for targeting eradication efforts on the ground.
Forest cover assessment and capacity building (2006-2007)
GRAS was selected for performing independent accuracy assessment of forest cover maps produced by the Forestry Administration of Cambodia. Training and capacity building within remote sensing and automated mapping methods is also included.
Marine and Coastal Environmental Information Services (2006 - 2008)
GRAS is now a part of the MarCoast consortium under GMES ((Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) funded by the European Space Agency (ESA). Together with DHI Water - Environment - Health GRAS will provide quality forecasts of hydrodynamic and ecosystem parameters of key interest to a wide user group. GRAS is responsible for developing and maintaining near-real-time data processing systems and improvement of existing monitoring systems.
North Sea Water Parameters (2007)
In cooperation with DHI Water - Environment - Health GRAS will setup and maintain data processing systems delivering water quality parameters for the North Sea area to "New Earth Observation Services Integration into the Service Support Environment" - an ESA funded initiative led by SPACEBEL.
Lake catchment delineation, Sweden (2006)
In collaboration with DHI DK and DHI SE, GRAS is deriving catchment areas for 12.000 lakes in Sweden. Automated processing routines will be developed for handling this large volume task at with a high accuracy.
ENVIPE III - land cover changes in Peru (2006-2009)
As a continuation of previous projects in the region, GRAS will perform land cover mapping and change detection in a rain forest environment in Amazonas, Peru. GRAS will work with archaeologists, anthropologists and botanists to synthesise land cover changes over the past 500 years, with detailed analyses supported by satellite images and GIS to document changes over the past 35 years.
Change detection in the Lake Kyoga area, Uganda (2006)
GRAS is performing change detection and mapping changes in water level in Lake Kyoga in Uganda. Time series of remote sensing data will map changes in reservoir capacity.
Invasive species mapping (2006)
Together with NIRAS, GRAS will map giant hogweed (bjørneklo) in the county of Nordjylland, Denmark. 60 cm resolution QuickBird images will be used for the analysis, enabling a detailed mapping of the distribution of giant hogweed. The maps will be used for targeting eradication efforts on the ground.
Detection of illegal waste sites, N. Ireland & Rep. of Ireland (2006-2007)
In this INTERREG project GRAS will identify and map illegal waste sites in four counties in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The identification will be based on Very High Resolution images (QuickBird, Ikonos) as well as thermal infrared data.
Satellite Eye (2006-2007)
GRAS is part of Satellite Eye, a project delivering satellite images for the Galathea 3 expedition. The aim of the project is to provide daily updated satellite images for the expedition. Daily images are published through a Google Earth / Java interface and various case studies using remote sensing are presented.
Software development - image processing (2006)
Based on funding from the Danish Research Agency GRAS will assist the Wind Energy Department at RISØ National Laboratory with further development of software to be used to extract wind statistics from time series of RADAR data.
Mapping and monitoring ice conditions in Greenland (2006)
GRAS has conducted a mapping of the ice conditions of a fjord area in West Greenland for the Greenland Survey- Asiaq. Based on analyses and classification of reflectance data from MODIS 250 m data the ice conditions of the area was examined and of ice-free periods identified.
Change detection on Very High Resolution data (2006)
GRAS is performing change detection based on Very High Resolution satellite imagery in various locations in Asia. 0.6 m QuickBird and 1 m Ikonos imagery is being used to assess small scale morphological changes in dynamic coastal environments.
Optical remote sensing and detection of sub surface oil spill (2006)
In this EU project GRAS will be evaluating the use of optical remote sensing for detecting sub-surface oil spills. Feasibility studies related to three different oil spill cases will be performed, including aspects such as spectral resolution, depth penetration (in the sea), spatial scale and acquisition timing.
Road feasibility study using remote sensing in Zambia (2006)
GRAS is using remote sensing for assisting a road construction project in Zambia. Land cover and soil classifications based on remote sensing data can optimise the field effort by identifying areas with similar soil conditions. Furthermore, Very High Resolution data are extremely useful as an updated source of information, especially in remote areas where existing maps may be of low quality.
HORUS - Heritage Observation and Retrieval Under Sand (2005-2006)
In this ESA DUE Innovator project, GRAS will be working with Rovsing (Denmark), SOGESI (Italy) and CULTNAT (Egypt) using satellite images to recognize and find archaeological sites in Egypt. Pattern recognition and data fusion methods based on a combination of radar images and very high resolution optical data will be used.
Coastline change detection (2005)
GRAS has been involved in several coastline change detection studies in South East Asia in late 2005. Time series of satellite images can be used for analysing sediment transport and erosion back to the 1950s. With Very High Resolution images at 60 cm resolution, very detailed studies can be made.
Tsunami Impact Mapping (2005)
GRAS is undertaking a study involving Very High Resolution data to assess the effect of mangroves for protecting the coastlines of South East Asia in relation to the tsunami that struck the area on 26 December 2004. An article was published in Science on 28 October 2005. Read article.
EOMD - Earth Observation Market Development, phase 2 (2005-2007)
In this project funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), a near real time processing chain of ENVISAT and MODIS data is designed and maintained for the Bay of Chiloe. The data are used as input to DHI's numerical ocean models with Sea Surface Temperature and Chlorophyll a as the main products. The project has duration of 18 months during which new automated quality assurance procedures and extensions to traditional assimilation setups will be produced.
Educational material (2005)
In cooperation with the Institute of Geography, University of Copenhagen, GRAS is involved in the design and creation of the future remote sensing teaching material to by used by secondary colleges in Denmark.
Power plant recirculation (2005)
High resolution Sea Surface Temperature maps are produced in order to map the spatial pattern of cooling water discharge from a power plant i Malaysia. The study also includes mapping of changes in the coastal environment over the past 30 years.
EO Data Application for Aquaculture Enterprises (2005)
In this ESA project, GRAS is evaluating methods for near-real time monitoring the marine and coastal environmental conditions that may impact the safe and efficient operation of aquaculture facilities (fish farms).
Sediment mapping off the coast of Britain (2005)
GRAS is evaluating the MERIS sediment product and comparing it with in situ measurement from buoys. The project is intended for feasibility studies in relation to the construction of off-shore wind mill farms. Demonstration study for ESA, the European Space Agency.
Validation of ENVISAT AATSR data (2005)
GRAS is evaluating the use of ENVISAR AATSR data for ESA, the European Space Agency. The data is being analysed with respect to assimilation in numerical ocean models.
GIS Training Course (2005)
A two week GIS training course was conducted in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso for agricultural and environmental engineers. The course was tailored specifically to match the needs of PNGT staff and included GIS and remote sensing topics and exercises.
Snow cover mapping for reservoir management (2005)
GRAS is involved in a snow cover mapping project in the Middle East where discharge of melt water will be modelled in relation to hydropower installations.
High resolution satellite data (2004)
GRAS has become a licensed reseller of Ikonos, QuickBird and SPOT imagery through agreements with SpaceImaging, DigitalGlobe and Spot Image.
Dynamic map legends (2004)
GRAS has developed context sensitive map legends for international vector data sets. The work includes how to account for missing data depending on the properties of the given area.
Mangrove mapping, South East Asia (2004)
GRAS performed an extensive mapping and change detection analysis of mangrove areas in South East Asia.
EOMD - Earth Observation Market Development (2004-2005)
In this project funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) GRAS is delivering near real time satellite images as input to DHI's numerical ocean models. Sea Surface Temperature and Chlorophyll a are the main products.
EO Response to Geo-Information Market Drivers Proposal for a Study Related to Development and Operation Needs for Offshore Wind Farms (2004)
In this project GRAS identified the scope for using remote sensing data in the development of offshore wind farms. The project is carried out in cooperation with Argoss (the Netherlands) and Radarsat Inc. (Canada) and British Marine Technology (UK). The project is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA).
Sea Surface Temperature of the Mexican Gulf (2004 - )
GRAS is delivering near real time SST images for water forecasting in the Mexican Gulf. The images are being processed and automatically delivered by ftp to the client.
Training course in remote sensing (2004)
A two week training course in remote sensing and WinCHips application programming was conducted at the Department of Water Affairs, Gaborone in Botswana.
Land use change mapping in Peru (2003-2005)
GRAS will perform land use / land cover change mapping in the province of San Martin in a rapidly developing rainforest area on the eastern slopes of the Andes. The work consists of data processing, land use classification and training.
Kabul River Basin (2003)
In the autumn of 2003, GRAS performed training in remote sensing for a study in Afghanistan. The work was carried out during four separate missions to the client's offices in Mashad, Iran. The tasks included land cover mapping, processing of remote sensing precipitation data and snow cover mapping.
Rødsand Coastal Monitoring (2003-2004)
The coastline of the Rødsand barrier complex in Southern Denmark was analysed using time series of high resolution satellite data such as SPOT and IRS. The study was used to analyse the sensitivity of the coastline before and after the construction of an offshore wind farm. Declassified images from American spy satellites were used to track changes back to 1960.
Operational Supply of Chlorophyll a maps (2003)
Delivering near real time chlorophyll a maps derived from SeaWiFS imagery. Images are received two times a day at the in-house receiving station and processed within 50 minutes of reception. The customer has access to data about 60 minutes after the satellite overpass. July – August 2003.
SURF - Survey and Assessment of Advanced Feature Extraction Techniques and Tools for EO Applications (2003-2004)
The project consisted in performing a survey of the most promising methods for classification of remote sensing data and selecting the three most promising methods. GRAS is providing expertise in applied EO, method development and implementation and use of optical EO data. The project is funded by ESA and Consortium partners are ROVSING A/S, Ørsted- DTU and the Institute of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen.
Okavango Delta Management Plan (2003-2004)
GRAS is delivering a topographical model to be used as input for hydrological modelling in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The work will be based on time series of high resolution remote sensing data combined with analyses of water level and discharge from hydrological stations in the Delta.
Mead (October 2002)
GRAS processed and provided the MEAD project with historical SeaWiFS chlorophyll a data from the Danish waters.
CONWOY (2002 – 2005)
Consequences of weather and climate changes for marine and freshwater ecosystems – conceptual and operational forecasting of the aquatic environment. A Danish research program with nine partners from interdisciplinary institutions in Denmark. GRAS will provide information and data derived from satellite images.
Operational Supply of Chlorophyll a maps (July - August 2002)
Delivering near real time chlorophyll a maps derived from SeaWiFS imagery to The Danish National Research Institute, The Finnish Institute of Marine Research and four Danish counties.
SISCAL (2001-2004)
Satellite-based information Systems on Coastal Areas and Lakes - an EU funded research project with 10 international partners. The aim of the project was to develop a processor that provides end users with satellite derived information on ocean waters, coastal areas and lakes. The satellite derived maps are tailored to match the needs of the individual end user and the data is distributed through the internet. GRAS was in charge of the commercial aspects of the project at Institute of Geography, University of Copenhagen.
NOAA AVHRR data supply (2001, 2002, 2003)
Operational supply of NOAA AVHRR images to weather forecast services in Denmark.
GIS course (2002)
Introduction to GIS and hands-on exercises in ArcView for consultants and advisors dealing with natural resources and the environment. The course was prepared in collaboration with Institute of Geography, University of Copenhagen.
Environmental monitoring, Remote Sensing and GIS (I) (2001 – 2002)
Assisting the process of implementing a State of the Environment monitoring program in Burkina Faso using remote sensing data and GIS. This is done in collaboration with Centre de Suivi Ecologique, Dakar, Senegal for the Programme National de Gestion des Terroirs (Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso).
Environmental monitoring, Remote Sensing and GIS (II) (2001 – 2002)
Implementing systematic monitoring of the environment and natural resources in the province of Komondjari, Burkina Faso using remote sensing and GIS. For the Danish agricultural sector program (PADDAB) in Burkina Faso.
SIAP (2000-2002)
Development of Geographic Information System (GIS) applications in marine resources management. The work includes design and the development of an ArcView extension to facilitate easy mapping of remote sensed images with vector GIS included as overlays. For the EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) – Italy.
Sea surface temperature (2001)
Weekly supply of Sea Surface temperature data derived from NOAA AVHRR satellite data to DHI – Water & Environment.
Coastal development (2001)
Using historic and recent satellite images to study coastal development and sediment transport in Asia. For DHI – Water & Environment.
GIS course (2001)
An intensive 3 weeks GIS course was conducted, this included an introduction to vector and raster GIS data models as well as an introduction to more advanced GIS topics and Remote Sensing. The course was tailored to post-contract technical staff from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Chlorophyll monitoring (2001)
Mapping of chlorophyll a concentrations using satellite images for a Danish county during a period of high algae concentrations.
Thermal Cover Strategies (2001)
Studying thermal Cover Strategies for Nanisivik Mines Ltd. using the WinSoil Model. The project was carried out in collaboration between the Institute of Geography, University of Copenhagen and GRAS Ltd.
GIS and Water Resource Management (2001)
Implementing GIS for national water resource management in Senegal. With COWI (team leader) for the Ministry of water resources, Senegal.
Sediment transport assessment (2000)
Assessing sediment transport in the Waddensea. For the County of Ribe and Sønderjylland.