Most Earth surface assets globally will be monitored by active satellites by 2028, Gartner predicts

Around 80 per cent of major Earth surface assets globally will be monitored by active satellites by 2028, Gartner forecast on Monday.

According to the Stamford-based research firm, Earth intelligence uses AI to analyse satellite, aerial, and ground data to monitor Earth’s assets and activities, providing insights for decision-making. Earth intelligence comprises collecting and analysing geospatial data, including satellite imagery, remote sensing data, and other environmental data to understand the Earth’s systems and processes.

“That doesn’t mean maps and charts. Earth intelligence is delivering numbers on global nickel production, theme park revenue, and the health of wheat crops, to name just a few,” said Bill Ray, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner.

As per Gartner’s prediction, given the breadth of applications, Earth intelligence applies to all industries and enterprises. While Defense has been the first adopter, improvements in the quality of data, and analysis techniques, have rapidly expanded the use cases. The Earth intelligence market is now divided between those capturing the data, those interpreting and analysing it, and those generating industry-specific insights.

“Earth intelligence applies to every business,” said Ray. “Enterprises can gain an early advantage by creatively and strategically applying Earth intelligence to significantly enhance specific functionalities of existing systems or to compete via net new capabilities.”

Gartner identified 12 technologies poised to transform how companies fundamentally operate over the next five years and beyond. These technologies range from polyfunctional robots to automated cyber defence and earth intelligence, with advancements in AI and GenAI serving as force multipliers, often accelerating time to market. While these trends are not confined to specific industries or verticals, it will impact enterprises of all sizes and across various business models and geographies, the firm said.

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Published on April 9, 2025