Since the end of December, satellite images of the Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius) have been accessible through the Government’s Satellite Data Portal (Satellietdataportaal). The collection includes images from 2020/2021 with 50-centimetre details and images from 2023 with 30-centimetre details.
The Netherlands Space Office (NSO) operates the Satellite Data Portal as a part of the Dutch space policy. This portal provides knowledge institutions, businesses, governments, and citizens with free access to high-resolution satellite data.
Expanding the Satellite Data Portal to include data from Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius aligns with the digitalisation policy of the Central Government. It aims to strengthen the digital society in the Caribbean Netherlands by establishing a central registry for addresses and buildings and is considering a registry for land use.
Aerial photographs, elevation measurements, and satellite images
In addition to satellite images, aerial photographs and elevation measurements of the islands are already being taken. Aerial photographs help to determine the exact location of an address or building on a map with greater accuracy. By registering all address and building data just once in the system, the data becomes more reliable. Elevation measurements provide additional information to the islands, such as insights into climate developments.
Practical applications
Satellite data from the Satellite Data Portal have numerous practical applications. They can be valuable for research into natural areas and coral reefs, climate research and adaptation, as well as for managing buildings and securing critical infrastructure. The high-resolution satellite images enable comparisons not only between different satellite images but also with aerial photographs, allowing for the observation of changes over time.
Interested in exploring?
Navigate directly to Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and/or Saba via the navigation menu BES Islands | Satellite Data Portal.
