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In the wake of Hurricane Sandy
5 november 2012
Pléiades satellite images of US coast

Hurricane Sandy made landfall on the eastern seaboard of the USA on October 29 just south of Atlantic City, New Jersey. New York and New Jersey took the brunt of the Category 1 storm, but it left a trail of devastation all along the coast.

Staten Island Bay, Pléiades 1A image acquired on 3 November 2012

It is estimated that the damage caused by Sandy could run to as much as $20 billion, making it the second most costly Atlantic storm to hit the States, behind Hurricane Katrina which struck in 2005.

Astrium Services’ GEO-Information division began imaging the area immediately after the storm. These pictures were acquired on 3 November by Astrium’s very high resolution satellite Pléiades 1A over some of the most seriously affected areas.

Sea Side Heights, New Jersey, Pléiades 1A image acquired 3 November 2012

The Pléiades system is designed to deliver high-detail data extremely rapidly – essential for emergency response. The satellite, which offers exceptional agility to maximise acquisitions of a specific area of interest, can be ‘rush programmed’ to overfly a target zone, and an automated production system generates 20 km x 20 km orthorectified images in just 30 minutes.

In addition to their operational use in giving detailed information about the extent of damage across large areas, satellite images also help the wider public see first-hand the impact of major catastrophes and build awareness of the need to protect the environment and ensure the safety and security of those affected.

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