Olympiapark, Munich | Satellite imagery © 2024 Maxar Technologies provided by European Space Imaging
European Space Imaging (EUSI) is pleased to once again host their conference in Munich, Germany. This invite only conference brings together like-minded experts from all sectors where geospatial technologies and remote sensing are applied to enhance learning, provide innovative ideas and create conversations.
EUSI has new partners, datasets and platforms to share with all the conference delegates. Held over two days, networking and fostering new relationships are a key part of the conference. The conference begins with an Ice Breaker cocktail reception to assist networking among the delegates and will also include a Gala Dinner whereby ideas can be generated and shared in a relaxed environment. The conference will conclude with a networking lunch on the second day.
European Space Imaging looks forward to welcoming back returning delegates and meeting new attendees.
DATE & TIME
December 2, 2024, 1:00 PM – December 4, 2024 – 3:00 PM
Location
Literaturhaus
Salvatorplatz 1, 80333 Munich
https://www.literaturhaus-muenchen.de/
Agenda
monday 2 december
1:00PM – 5:00PM
GROUND STATION TOUR & VISIT OF THE INSTITUTE OF ROBOTICS AND MECHATRONICS
Join us at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Visit our newly upgraded EUSI ground station and take a guided tour of the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics, with a special focus on Planetary Exploration Robotics and Field Robotics. Get a close look at the remote-controlled Sherp vehicle, which is set to be used in humanitarian crises in collaboration with the World Food Programme, as well as the Mars vehicle. The bus leaving for Oberpfaffenhofen will depart from the ZOB (Zentral Omnibus Bahnhof – Arnulfstrasse 21) from platform 2.
6:30PM – 11:00PM
ICE BREAKER NETWORKING EVENT
Meet and greet your fellow delegates at this cocktail reception designed to “break the ice”. Get to know fellow delegates, speakers and the European Space Imaging Staff.
Tuesday 3 december
8:30AM – 9:00AM
REGISTRATION & COFFEE
9:00AM – 5:00PM
CONFERENCE DAY 1
9:00AM – 9:10AM
EUSI OFFICIAL WELCOME
There is a lot of excitement right now, not only at EUSI but within the entire Earth Observation community. Significant expansion of valuable datasets and new satellite launches are bringing unprecedented insights to fill growing demand in our region. Adrian will discuss EUSI’s strategy for becoming a “hub” for EO data, how they are pushing the definition of “low latency”, and the outlook for our resellers, customers and the entire European and North African EO industries.
9:10AM – 9:30AM
ESA EARTH OBSERVATION & THE KEY ROLE OF COMMERCIAL MISSIONS AND DATA PROVIDERS
More information to come.
9:30AM – 9:45AM
EXPANDING MISSION CRITICAL CAPABILITIES THROUGH TRUSTED PARTNERSHIPS
With increasing global tensions and climate events intensifying, our world is experiencing significant turmoil. Geospatial intelligence is more vital than ever – especially to support near-real-time decisions. Together, we need to coordinate a collective response to global challenges. A deep dive into how Maxar is helping facilitate this, building trusted partnerships to support your missions. Find out about new WorldView Legion capabilities, and explore new product developments.
9:45AM – 10:00AM
EXPANDING DATASETS, NEW CAPABILITIES & INCREASED MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
Pascal Schichor, European Space Imaging
The European EO market is shifting with new satellite launches, developing technologies and evolving user demands. Adaptability is paramount in these times. Beginning with a look at new data partners and announcements regarding our ground infrastructure, we’ll explore EUSI’s solutions to market challenges and the outlook for high-value applications over the next 3 years.
10:00AM – 10:20AM
WAR, FLIGHT, OPPRESSION. POTENTIAL FOR DOCUMENTATION WITH REMOTE SENSING
Modern remote sensing from space, today with spatial resolutions of up to 15cm and in principle daily repetition rates, allows to document changes on the land surface with high precision. This makes it possible to record the development of armed conflicts, refugee camps, population and settlement trends in border regions, the demolition of informal slum areas and the like. This presentation will show potentials and ethical concerns.
10:20AM – 10:50AM
MORNING COFFEE BREAK
10:50AM – 11:10AM
EO ADOPTION ACROSS SECTORS: BALANCING SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMERCIAL RETURNS
The speaker will delve into the intersection of EO technologies with sustainable business practices, focusing on how businesses can effectively commercialize these technologies while adhering to sustainability and the principles of the green economy. This incorporates an examination of case studies and models that demonstrate a balance between commercial success and environmental responsibility, thereby offering insights into best practices and innovative approaches in this dynamic field. Particular attention will be paid to the integration of EO technologies in non-space sectors.
11:10AM – 11:30AM
REMOTE SENSING OF PLASTIC LITTER
Mathias Bochow, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences
This presentation gives an overview of the remote sensing research at GFZ targeting the plastic pollution of the environment from micro- to macroplastic, from lab to space scale.
11:30AM – 11:50PM
Vana Giavi, TotalView
The basemap update every three years for the whole country, is a requirement for LPIS as part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Why VHR satellite imagery is the best way to cover this requirement? Which challenges arise from complex AOIs, ground morphology and LPIS project specifications? Results from two countries and multiple cycles of implementation will be shared.
11:50PM – 12:10PM
CAPACITY, COVERAGE & SPEED: INTELLIGENT COLLECTION PLANNING OF THE MAXAR WORLDVIEW LEGION SATELLITES
Maxar has successfully launched the new WorldView Legion Satellites – the most advanced optical satellites in the world. But how will EUSI implement these satellites into feasibility studies and collection planning? What do the mid-inclined orbits mean for projects across Europe? What is the impact of the significant increase in capacity on large-scale mapping? This session will answer these questions and give greater insight into the EUSI ground segment.
12:10PM – 1:40PM
NETWORKING LUNCH BREAK
1:40PM – 2:40PM
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PANEL DISCUSSION
STRATEGIC FUTURE OF EARTH OBSERVATION: PRIORITIES, POLICY, AND PUBLIC-PRIVATE COLLABORATION
Moderated by Dr. Michael Rast
Panel Members: Dr. Nicolaus Hanowski, ESA & Dr. Anna Purkhauser, Novaspace & Dr. Agnieszka Lukaszczyk, Hialtitude Consulting & Daniela Dobreva-Nielsen, Bodgan Orbit EOOD
As Earth Observation continues to play a critical role in addressing both environmental and security challenges, how will the priorities of the EU, ESA, and other key institutional actors evolve? This panel will explore the future of EO policy and regulation, with a focus on how the public and private sectors can collaborate to meet both technological advancements and strategic objectives. With the EU Green Deal and increasing security concerns on the table, what is the expected role of EO in shaping Europe’s future?
2:40PM – 3:00PM
TRANSFORMING TREES WITH PRECISION ANALYSIS: PROFITABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN FOCUS
Understanding needs, drivers and challenges for conventional and Urban forestry is important when developing solutions for this industries. At Arboair this has been our foundation. We are famed for our high precision analysis of trees where we provide key
insights for a more profitable and sustainable forestry both in nature and in cities.
3:00PM – 3:20PM
INSURANCE & EARTH OBSERVATION – IS THERE STILL AN APPLICATION GAP?
Excellent risk management of natural hazards, predicting climate change effects and modelling supply chains are some of the key success factors for (property) insurers. Since more than 2 decades the EO-industry is aiming at this business segment. What is the level of EO-integration today? What are challenges and obstacles to achieve operational success? Are there any other promising EO-solutions?
3:20PM – 3:35PM
ATOM: VIRTUAL TASKING IN 60 SECONDS VIA WEB BROWSER OR API
ATOM is the newest application developed by EUSI that reshapes how users order imagery, task satellites and manage projects. This free and incredibly powerful platform is showcased just before all attendees have a chance to work hands-on in small workshops with EUSI staff.
3:35PM – 4:00PM
AFTERNOON COFFEE BREAK
4:00PM – 4:30PM
ATOM WORKSHOP
ATOM VIRTUAL TASKING AND ORDER MANAGEMENT PLATFORM
Attendees will break into small groups according to the number printed on their badges for a personalised demo of the ATOM platform including opportunities for Q & A. The demos will be led by EUSI Customer Support, Sales and Development staff.
4:00PM – 5:00PM
GEO4I DEMO: HOW TO QUICKLY IDENTIFY MILITARY EQUIPMENT
One of the challenges in analysing satellite imagery is the ability to accurately identify military equipment.
To facilitate this, Geo4i has developed Help4i, a software that integrates a database of more than 6,400 equipment covering military topics. This provides vital assistance to a task that remains otherwise relatively manual. Going one step further, Geo4i then developed an artificial intelligence chain, AI4I, allowing users to create their own detection models to identify the elements corresponding to their needs.
MAXAR SECUREWATCH DEMO
More information to come.
6:30PM – 11:00PM
GALA DINNER
Join us for our official gala dinner celebrating this year’s achievements and a bright outlook for 2025.
Wednesday 4 december
8:30AM – 9:00AM
REGISTRATION & COFFEE
9:00AM – 1:00PM
CONFERENCE DAY 2
9:00AM – 9:10AM
9:10AM – 9:30AM
THE DUAL ROLE OF EO: NAVIGATING THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY AND SECURITY
More information to come.
9:30AM – 9:50AM
A TECHNICAL PERSPECTIVE OF MAXAR WORLDVIEW LEGION IMAGERY
Arnaud Durand, European Space Imaging
With the release of WorldView Legion data, users across Europe can now access the latest advancements in VHR satellite imagery. This session provides a detailed exploration of the technical attributes that set the imagery apart, focusing on the enhanced spectral bands, improved bit depth, dynamic range, and metadata. The discussion will highlight the unique spectral response of the sensors for vegetation analysis as well as visual clarity for GEOINT and civil applications.
9:50AM – 10:10AM
DELIVERING GLOBAL OMNISCIENCE
Annijke Wade, Umbra
Umbra’s mission is to deliver global omniscience. Our origin as a company is remote sensing on a global scale. Change is constant. Umbra recognizes our customers’ existential need to dependably acquire high quality intelligence data for trusted, secure decision making. Organizations cannot leave critical missions to chance. Make better decisions for your enterprise by incorporating best-in-class remote sensing solutions.
10:10AM – 10:30AM
FINEAIR30: FINEST-GRAINED AIRPLANES IN HIGH-RESOLUTION SATELLITE IMAGES
Murat Osswald, Universität der Bundeswehr München
DL models require precisely categorized objects for fine-grained object detection in high-resolution satellite images. However, determining the Fine-Grained Class (FGC), e.g., Airbus 320, needs exclusive handling. In this manner, transponders are substantial sources, because they transmit data about an airplane’s current state and its FGC. In this work, I utilize transponders to annotate airplanes.
10:30AM – 11:00AM
MORNING COFFEE BREAK
11:00AM – 12:00AM
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PANEL DISCUSSION
EARTH OBSERVATION DATA FOR THE SAFETY, SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF EUROPE AND NEIGHBORS
Moderated by Gunter Schreier
Panel Members: Dr. Eleni Patouni, EDA & Marc Lafitte, IAEA & Patrick O'Keeffe, NATO & Dr. Sebastian Carl, GAF AG & Radu Tanase, Satcen
Earth Observation (EO) data is becoming increasingly vital for ensuring the security and public safety of Europe and its neighboring regions. As new satellite technologies emerge from both established players and “New Space” entrants, how can EO be leveraged for defense, public safety, and crisis management? This panel will explore the evolving goals of key institutions in enhancing regional security, and how cooperation between public institutions and private data providers can be strengthened to meet these demands.
12:00PM – 12:20PM
INDICATOR MONITORING FOR THE EARLY ACQUISITION OF VHR SATELLITE SENSORS DURING NATURAL DISASTERS
In the event of a crisis, information, like remote sensing data, is often available at a late stage in time and rarely at high spatial resolution. To avoid this time delays, the joint DLR-EUSI project IFAS develops an “early triggering” approach and streamlines automated data exchange. The progress of the project has already been successfully tested during the floods in southern Germany this year.
12:20PM – 12:40PM
SWIR SATELLITE DATA IN SCIENTIFIC AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION USE CASES
Daniela Valentino, Planetek Italia
The Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) bands in satellite imagery provide critical capabilities for supporting in identifying and analyzing materials and environmental changes usually challenging to detect. The presentation will showcase use cases in scientific research and public administration where SWIR data has been instrumental. Specific applications include detecting plastic waste in water bodies and identifying asbestos on building rooftops, supporting environmental protection, urban safety, and public health initiatives.
12:40PM – 1:00PM
REMOTE SENSING SERVICES FOR THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT GOVERNMENT AREA OF MADRID
Samuel Fonseca, Cotesa
The Urban Development Area of Madrid’s government requires precise and up to date information to manage several municipal tasks and meet the demands for cartographic products from other government agencies, organizations and citizens. Join us to learn how COTESA delivers high-resolution satellite imagery and earth observation services providing valuable insights for monitoring Madrid’s urban evolution and environmental conditions.
1:00PM – 1:10PM
1:10PM – 3:00PM
CLOSING NETWORKING LUNCH BREAK
Speakers
Adrian Zevenbergen
EUROPEAN SPACE IMAGING
CEO
Maryia Urazaeva
SATELLITE APPLICATIONS CATAPULT
SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – SPACE
Prof. Dr. Hannes Taubenböck
GERMAN AEROSPACE CENTER
HEAD OF GEORISKS & CIVIL DEPARTMENT
Hannes Taubenböck is head of the department “Georisks and Civil Security” at the Earth Observation Center (EOC) of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). He also holds the chair of “Global Urbanization and Remote Sensing” at the University of Würzburg.He holds a Diploma from the Ludwig-Maximilians University München (2004), a doctoral degree from the Julius Maximilian’s University of Würzburg (2008), and in 2019, he habilitated at the University of Würzburg.
Murat Osswald
BUNDESWEHR UNIVERSITY
COMPUTER VISION RESEARCHER
Murat Osswald is an experienced Computer Vision Engineer who is currently researching the detection of fine grained objects in optical satellite images at Bundeswehr University. His extensive knowledge in automization stems from his past positions in which he developed an application to diagnose diseases from retinal images and automized the analysis of polycrystalline materials from CT Scan images. Murat is originally from Turkey, holds 2 engineering degrees and is working on his PhD.
Dr. Anne Schneibel
GERMAN AEROSPACE CENTER
RESEARCHER & PROJECT COORDINATOR
Anne Schneibel studied environmental sciences and received her PhD in remote sensing from Trier University. Her research focus is on the use of remote sensing to support humanitarian aid and crisis response. Since 2020, she is a research associate at the Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information (ZKI) at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). She coordinates projects around the use of remote sensing and geoinformation for conflict and crisis relief, always in close cooperation with end users.
Arnaud Durand
EUROPEAN SPACE IMAGING
SALES DIRECTOR
Arnaud Durand has extensive experience managing Earth Observation projects, amongst others within the Copernicus environment. Previously he has conducted several successful consulting missions for the European Commission and the United Nations. Presently in his role as Sales Director at European Space Imaging, he manages the partnerships and sales strategies for numerous countries within Europe and North Africa.
Alistair Maclenan
QUARRY ONE ELEVEN
FOUNDER
Alistair has been selling, marketing and promoting space-based data, technologies and services since he helped to setup the EMEA ER Mapper office in the mid-90s. Subsequently, he was part of the management team that sold Dataview Solutions to Cyient before setting up the Quarry One Eleven business promotion & marketing agency in 2005 to support geo-clients, around the world. Alistair is also the Chair of the British Association of Remote Sensing Companies and a trustee of charity, MRKH Connect.
Jacob Hjalmarsson
ARBOAIR
COO & CO-FOUNDER
Jacob Hjalmarsson is the COO and Co-founder of Arboair, a company
transforming sustainable forestry and tree care through AI. Before
Arboair, He ran a sustainability software and consultancy startup. He has worked in the paper and pulp industry in Sweden. Inspired to make things better, together with the team at Arboair they have worked to improve
forest inventory accuracy from 60% to 95%. They create better opportunities for forestry and promote global sustainability.
Prof. Dr. Michael Rast
ISSI
DIRECTOR
With a Diploma in geology and geo-scientific remote sensing at the Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Michael Rast joined ESA – ESTEC in the Netherlands, mainly establishing mission/science requirements for Earth observation satellites. Following a research year at NASA’s JPL in Pasadena, he obtained a doctorate on imaging spectroscopy for Earth observation from space. After a secondment to the GEO Secretariat, Geneva, as Senior Programme Officer, he headed the Science Strategy Office at ESA’s Earth Observation Centre ESRIN in Frascati, Italy. In 2017, he became Senior Advisor to the Director of Earth Observation Programmes, still fulfilling the role as Mission Scientist for the hyperspectral Copernicus mission, CHIME. In January 2022, following his retirement from ESA, he took on a part-time employment as Director of Earth Sciences at the International Space Science Institute (ISSI) in Bern, Switzerland. He also holds a professorship for terrestrial remote sensing at the Department for Geography of the Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich.
Dr. Nicolaus Hanowski
EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA)
HEAD OF OPERATIONS & GROUND SEGMENTS
Nicolaus Hanowski holds a Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences. He started as a researcher in the US and then transferred to Mission Operations at the German Space Operations Centre. In 2009 he joined ESA and became responsible for the development of Science Ground Segments for missions, such as Rosetta, Gaia, JWST, Solar Orbiter and Euclid in the Science Directorate. Since 2013 he is responsible for the Operations and Ground Segments of the ESA Earth Observation Missions and the Copernicus Sentinel satellites and the corresponding data management aspects at ESA. He is also coordinating the Destination Earth and Digital Twin Earth activities within ESA.
Gunter Schreier
GERMAN AEROSPACE CENTER
FREE CONSULTANT – retired DLR
Until mid 2024 Gunter Schreier was deputy director of the German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) of DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen. He coordinated the earth observation payload data ground segment at DFD and was member of ESA working groups and Copernicus related Committees.
In his career, he also worked at the Joint Research Center of the EC, in Ispra. Italy, engaged in precursor concepts of Copernicus. He was founding Vice President Geomatics of Definiens, Munich, developing eCognition.
He is member of the IAF Earth Observation Committee and chairman of the ISPRS-International Policy Advisory Committee (IPAC).
Pascal Schichor
EUROPEAN SPACE IMAGING
VP Sales
Pascal began his career with European Space Imaging in 2005 in various key positions which enabled him to gain a vast set of skills vital to the industry. Keen to expand his knowledge of Remote Sensing and Earth Observation, he became the Sales Lead EMEA for Phase One Industrial in 2017 and was responsible for the overall sales in the EMEA region. In mid-2018 he returned to European Space Imaging in the role of Sales Director, bringing with him experience in team leadership and surveying projects. He now leads the Sales Department as well as managing the company’s strategic business partnerships, particularly within government.
George Ellis
EUROPEAN SPACE IMAGING
VP OPERATIONS
George is a Vice President of Operations at EUSI. In his 30 years of experience in the geospatial industry, he has managed operations and collection planning for many key projects, including large area mapping. Before joining EUSI, he worked for the DLR German Aerospace Center.
Mathias Bochow
GFZ GERMAN RESEARCH CENTRE FOR GEOSCIENCES
SENIOR RESEARCHER
Mathias Bochow works as a Senior Researcher at GFZ. He studied environmental sciences at the University of Vechta, Germany, and University of Vienna, Austria. His research interests include VNIR-SWIR spectroscopy (lab, field, airborne, spaceborne) and applied remote sensing of vegetation, water, urban areas, and plastic pollution of the terrestrial and marine environment.
Alan Scandrett
EUROPEAN SPACE IMAGING
SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT
Alan Scandrett is a solutions architect at EUSI, focused on enhancing ATOM, our tasking and archive ordering platform for satellite imagery. He aims to streamline the ordering process for better customer access to critical information. Previously, Alan developed key tools with data visualization features and worked as a consultant at Esri Australia, delivering geospatial solutions for over 40 projects, including the Queensland Globe spatial atlas. His experience includes roles at Watercare Services Limited, where he improved GIS engagement through data visualizations, and at Land Information New Zealand, where he integrated national DEM datasets and optimized data archival. With a background in Computer Science and Geography, Alan combines technical and spatial expertise to advance GIS applications in enterprise settings.
Andreas Siebert
SIRISCON
CEO
Starting at GAF AG, he switched to Munich RE – a global reinsurance company. After 25+ yrs of geospatial analytics & risk management, today he is focusing is on the digital transformation to bridge the gap between business & location intelligence.
In 2022 he founded SiRisCon to leverage the mutual understanding & dialogue.
Since 2024 he is CEO at VEO Partners, a consultancy startup supporting the producers in sustainability and compliance risks like the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Dr. Agnieszka Lukaszczyk
HIALTITUDE CONSULTING
FOUNDER & CEO
Dr. Agnieszka Lukaszczyk is a seasoned professional in the space industry and has a wealth of experience in government affairs and space policy. Agnieszka previously held the position of Vice President for Government Affairs, EMEA at Planet and worked at the European Commission in various roles related to space policy, space security and Earth observation.
She has also served as the Brussels Office Director for the Secure World Foundation and has held leadership roles at the Space Generation Advisory Council. Agnieszka chairs the Sustainability Task Force at the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).
Agnieszka holds a PhD in Space Security from the Polish Defence Academy, along with advanced degrees in Management of Space in New Economies and International Politics. Her educational background also includes studies at prestigious institutions like the Said Business School, Oxford University, and the Université Catholique de Louvain.
Marc Lafitte
INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
HEAD OF THE STATE INFRASTRUCTURE ANALYSIS SECTION
Marc Lafitte is the Section Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency Safeguards’ State Infrastructure Analysis Section, where he oversees the analysis of satellite imagery and geospatial data. With over 30 years of experience in remote sensing, satellite imagery, and geospatial analysis, Marc holds a university degree in Earth Science.
Throughout his career, Marc has accumulated extensive expertise in supporting military operations using satellite imagery, particularly during his time in the French navy. He played a key role in developing the French military’s IMINT capabilities, including SAR and Infrared technologies. Later, he led the Non-Proliferation unit at the EU SatCen for over 10 years. In September 2019, Marc took the helm of the Satellite Imagery and Geospatial Section at the IAEA, bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization.
Daniela Valentino
PLANETEK
PRODUCT SPECIALIST
With a degree in Computer Science and Digital Communication from the University of Bari, Daniela embarked on her career at Planetek Italia in 2005 as a web developer. Her expertise expanded through specialized training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the Dinamica School in Bologna.
In 2012, she expanded her responsibilities by taking on the role of Pre-Sales Technical Assistant for Geospatial Data.
Her combined experience in web development, GIS, and customer support enables her to deliver tailored geospatial solutions that meet both technical and customer needs effectively.
Dr. Anna Purkhauser
NOVASPACE
MANAGER
Vana Giavi
TOTALVIEW
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Vana Giavi is the Managing Director at TOTALVIEW, Athens, Greece.
She is a Mineral Resources Engineer with MSc in Remote Sensing. In her 30 years of experience, she has managed many EO projects.
A key development step was the Production Manager position at SPACE IMAGING EUROPE, Athens, Greece where she was trained by Space Imaging Inc. as Production Specialist and has been selected to be the Production Manager.
Jonathan Field
MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES
VICE PRESIDENT HEAD OF EUROPE
Jonathan joined Maxar a year ago following nearly twenty years in the Defence sector, most recently as VP International Business Development at Hensoldt. Previous experience includes Kelvin Hughes and Smiths Group. His sector expertise covers NBCD, Radar, Electronic Warfare and C4ISR. Jonathan began his career in the Royal Navy, as a warfare Officer in the Submarine service.
Samuel Fonseca
COTESA
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Geospatial Professional with more than 12 years of experience the geospatial industry providing strategic analysis and consulting services, leveraging location analytics to empower clients in making informed decisions and developing innovative solutions based on the power of GIS and Earth observation.
Annijke Wade
UMBRA
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Annijke Wade serves key channel partners and customers at Umbra. Annijke has a background in geospatial and geospatial intelligence.
Daniela Dobreva-Nielsen
BOGDAN ORBIT EOOD
FOUNDER & OWNER
Daniela Dobreva-Nielsen brings over three decades of experience spanning sales, business development, innovation management and communications on a global scale. Her journey into the Space sector began a decade ago, where she has since fostered the growth of Europe’s Space innovation and entrepreneurial network as the Head of Business Development at AZO-Space of Innovation. As of April 2024, she works as industry expert/consultant through Bogdan Orbit GmbH – the company that she recently founded. Daniela holds a M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and a Certificate in Management from The Open University, London.
Patrick O’Keeffe
NATO COE CSW
SPACE OPERATIONS
Patrick O’Keeffe is an international technology and security policy expert focusing on the multidisciplinary environment of aerospace, maritime, and cyber. With a background as CEO and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of technology companies, commercial pilot, commanding officer in the military as well as fellow at the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University (ISPK), Patrick O’Keeffe is supporting various entities in the transformation of aerospace, maritime, and cyber strategies and policies. Patrick O’Keeffe served as a German Navy Officer in various positions including the German Ministry of Defence and at a NATO Centre of Excellence, facilitating between NATO partners, organizations of the United Nations, academia and industry, and presents as guest speaker and opening keynote at technology and security conferences. An aerospace engineer specialized in unmanned systems and satellite operations and a former military aviator, Patrick O’Keeffe studied international law and economics and publishes on international security and space capabilities.
Dr. Eleni Patouni
EUROPEAN DEFENCE AGENCY
PROJECT OFFICER
Dr. Eleni Patouni is currently responsible for the Research &Technology activities of the European Defence Agency (EDA) for space and serves as the moderator of the EDA Capability Technology Working Group Space. She joined EDA in 2020; before joining EDA Dr. Patouni worked in NATO STO CMRE as a Research Program Manager and business development manager for defence and security projects for 6 years and in University of Athens as a Senior Researcher and Project Manager. She also holds a PhD and Post-doc in telecommunications.
Radu Tanase
SATCEN
TEAM LEADER – DATA PROVISION SERVICES
“Radu Tanase serves as the Team Leader of the Data Provision Services within the Operations Division of the EU Satellite Centre, based in Madrid, Spain. He is also a former officer in the Romanian military, bringing extensive expertise in remote sensing for security and defense. Over the course of his career, he has held several key positions, including Imagery Analyst at the EU Satellite Centre, Officer-Engineer at the Romanian Geospatial Information Agency, or Research Scientist at the Research Centre for Spatial Information of the Polytechnic University of Bucharest.
With respect to his education, Dr. Tanase holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geodetic Engineering from the Military Technical Academy of Bucharest, as well as Master’s and Doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees in advanced optical and synthetic aperture radar image processing from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest. He also undertook several research internships at the Remote Sensing Technology Institute of the German Aerospace Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany.”
Dr. Sebastian Carl
GAF AG
SERVICE DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Sebastian Carl, *1966, is supporting the service development of GAF AG.
Dr. Carl graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science in 1992 from the Technical University in Munich-Weihenstephan, with a focus on the “Chaos Theorie” in his master thesis. In his subsequent doctorate he researched Artificial Intelligence as an analysis tool for satellite-based radar remote sensing, and gained his PhD in 1996 (Development and implementation of neuronal network classification of agricultural crop types based on ERS-1 SAR satellite data).
He was already working as a technical manager at GAFs Agriculture Department by 1992, designing, implementing and managing large-area agriculture, land cover and land use mapping and monitoring projects based on VHR and HR satellite imagery.
In 1999, he took over GAF’s Image Processing and Data Products Department, which was responsible for working with the increasing variety of earth observation systems and the resulting possibilities for data analysis and product generation.
He was Head of Geo-Data and Information Services and Key Account Manager for several governmental and corporates in the security, infrastructure and land domains and ran various consulting, SW-development, procurement and production projects.
GAF draws on his longstanding expert knowledge in the design, development and implementation of GIS software and systems and deep-learning technology for the production and dissemination of customized geo-information.
In 2000, he became an authorized signatory of GAF. As a Head of Department Geo-Data and Information Services, he already had significant responsibility for a wide range of corporate business measures.
In 2018, he became CEO of GAF, a German company founded 1985 and based in Munich and Neustrelitz, which provides added value to e-GEOS and the Telespazio-Group as a result of its advantageous geographic location and long-standing expertise in applied remote sensing, geo data and information systems.
In 2022, he changed position and is now supporting the management and the service development of GAF with his profound expertise.
Dr. Sebastian Carl of GAF AG, an e-GEOS (Telespazio/ASI), has held various steering posts, including that of CEO at GAF AG. He has been part of the remote sensing and space industry in Europe and has helped shape it for more than 30 years.
Dr. Carl has extensive knowledge and good insight into and instincts regarding the demand driven development of future sensors and remote sensing systems, esp. also multi-source and AI applications, around the world.
He is one of the few experts in Germany who can comprehensively analyse and demand driven assess all currently available earth observation systems for the commercial and publicly funded sectors.
Steve Allen
MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES
SENIOR CHANNEL SALES MANAGER – EUROPE
Steve started his career with Maxar (DigitalGlobe originally) back in 2009 and has been working with both the Sales and Business Development teams over the course of his tenure with the company.
Eager to help customers derive the greatest amount of value from Maxar’s imagery, Steve has worked with the WorldView Global Alliance (WVGA) partner network, along with EUSI, to offer new and exciting products to customers in the European Defense & Intelligence and Civil Governments communities for the past 10+ years.
With over 25 years in Sales and dedicated to building one of the finest Channel Partner Networks in the world, Steve is committed to supporting the WVGA and nurturing Maxar’s Partner growth within the Europe market.
Sean O’Neill
MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES
SENIOR SALES ENGINEER
Sean O’Neill works in Maxar’s Earth Intelligence organization, which provides high-resolution satellite imagery to customers for the EMEA region.
He previously worked in the E&P market for marine seismic exploration with a key focus on navigation systems and has an Computer engineering degree.
Roberto Biasutti
EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA)
GROUND SEGMENT MANAGER
Piotr Wezyk
PROGEA 4D
CEO
Piotr Wezyk is an Assoc. Prof. at the University of Agriculture in Krakow (UoA, Poland) and CEO of ProGea 4D Ltd. and ProGea Consulting. He received his Ph.D. degree in 1999 at the University of Agriculture in Krakow and the Habilitation degree in 2013 from the UAM Poznan, Poland. He has over 25 years of professional and scientific experience in national and international R&D projects on integration of GIS/WebGIS, digital Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing data, Image Processing technology – oriented on applications in LULC, forestry, spatial planning, nature protection and natural hazards monitoring.
